Season begins Saturday

GRANT COUNTY - The Salvation Army is recruiting volunteers to ring bells and collect donations for those in need.

The organization seeks volunteers to work each Monday, Friday and Saturday between Saturday and Dec. 20, Community Relations Director Joann Hosszu said. The shifts are from 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The locations in Moses Lake include Safeway, Food Pavilion, Walmart and the U.S. Post Office, she said. Other locations throughout Grant County will be determined later.

The kick off day for the bell-ringing season is Nov. 15, Hosszu said. The Moses Lake Kiwanis Club and the Kiwanis Key Club will be out collecting donations all day at the Moses Lake locations, she said.

The Salvation Army provides service to Grant County citizens year-round. The bell-ringing and kettle event is the largest fund-raiser for the organization and the group hopes to gather $50,000.

October through January tend to be the busiest months for The Salvation Army, Hosszu said. If the winter is unusually cold, the demand keeps up through April.

She said people can place money or checks in the kettles wherever they see someone ringing a Salvation Army bell. Checks can also be taken to The Salvation Army building located at 215 E. Broadway Ave., in Moses Lake.

Hosszu advised when people write checks to the Salvation Army, they must write somewhere on the check that it is designated for "Grant County, Wash.," to ensure it stays in the community. Without a location, it can go to other locations.

To volunteer as a bell ringer, contact The Salvation Army office at 509-766-5875.