The holiday season is just around the corner and the Salvation Army’s tradition of ringing bells for charity at 19 locations from Bigfork and Lakeside to Columbia Falls and Whitefish isn’t possible without volunteers.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations looking for a way to spread holiday cheer for charity are encouraged to call the Salvation Army and volunteer a little bit of their time to be a bell-ringer.

All the donations raised from ringing bells are used to provide services to the “most needy” residents in Flathead Valley.

Some of what was provided last year includes 19,783 free hot meals, 1,555 showers, 8,400 articles of clothing and household items and 783 of the valley’s children received gifts under their Christmas tree.

Almost all first-time bell-ringers return each year to give it another try. One of last year’s first-time bell-ringers said it was “so much fun last year and you really can’t take the smile off your face while ringing those little bells.”

For more information contact Bob Blake at The Salvation Army in Kalispell by calling 257-4357 ex. 236 or email [email protected] tionarmy.org.