SANDPOINT — The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without them.

The bright red kettles. Cheery bells. And the smiles — big grins that stretch across the sky.

But volunteers are needed for the Salvation Army to hold its annual kettle drive. And that is where the community can help, said Pam Fox, a volunteer organizer for the campaign.

“The campaign is the main fundraiser for the Salvation Army,” Fox said, adding that all of the money raised by the campaign stays in the community to help local residents.

The more people who volunteer, the better the Salvation Army’s ability to raise critical funds to help those in the community who are struggling, she said.

Not only does the money stay in the community, but being a Red Kettle volunteer is a lot of fun. Some people sing and dance, others dress up or play an instrument, and still others simply ring the bell and have fun talking to people coming by the store.

“It’s probably one of the easiest — and most fun — jobs you’ll do,” she said.

All volunteers need to do is show up. All of the equipment is supplied — the stands, the kettle, the apron and the bell. When they’re done bell ringing, the bucket with any funds goes to the store’s customer service.

Five stores have signed on to host the campaign — Walmart, Yoke’s, Super 1 Foods, Safeway and North 40. Volunteers can sign up for one-, two- or three-hour blocks between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. now through Dec. 24.

This year, Fox said the Salvation Army is hoping to raise $20,000 — all of which stays in the community, helping with a variety of needs.

The money is used for a one-time emergency donation for everything from gas, prescriptions and food to rent and utilities. The Salvation Army also runs a back-to-school backpack program, helps with winter boots through its partnership with Big 5 Sporting Goods, and helps local youth attend the organization’s Camp Gifford summer camp in Deer Park, Wash.

The organization vets those seeking assistance and works to help them with one-time emergency aid, Fox said.

Salvation Army partners with other local organizations, including Community Action Partnership, to help those in need. A hand up is offered with the goal of helping individuals plot a long-term, sustainable course of action.

Those seeking assistance are interviewed to ensure they need help and have a path forward, Fox said.

The amount of assistance varies on several factors, including need and family size, she said.

Those wishing to donate in person can find a Red Kettle volunteer. For those unable to connect with a volunteer, donations can also be made online at northwest.salvationarmy.org.

The red kettle tradition began in 1891 when Capt. Joseph McFee of the Salvation Army decided to serve a free Christmas dinner to the poor in San Francisco. He asked God for help on how he would afford to provide all the food for such a large project.

His answer came in a memory. Back when he worked on the waterfront in Liverpool, England, a popular local eatery collected cash donations for the poor in a large soup kettle called “Simpson’s Pot.”

McFee realized he could create his own such pot and wasted no time in finding the largest soup kettle he could and placing it in a conspicuous spot on the Oakland Ferry landing at the foot of Market Street. Passengers going to and from the ferry boats tossed their loose change into the kettle, and before long, McFee had enough funds to pay for the Christmas dinner.

Thus began a Christmas tradition that has spread throughout the world and continues to this day.

To sign up to help with the local Red Kettle campaign, call Pam Fox at 208-290-6761.

    Kiwanis Club members wear festive hats as they ring a bell to attract donations for the Salvation Army. The club volunteers as part of the organization's Red Kettle drive every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  

    Kiwanis Club members wear festive hats as they ring a bell to attract donations for the Salvation Army. The club volunteers as part of the organization's Red Kettle drive every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  

    Kiwanis Club members rings a bell to attract donations for the Salvation Army. The club volunteers as part of the organization's Red Kettle drive every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.