FARGO, N.D. -- Bell-ringers have become part of the sounds of the season, but when a kettle goes unmanned, those jingles fall silent and the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign takes a hit.
70 percent of volunteer hours for the season have already been filled, but there are still open slots for over 1200 hours.
The West Acres location is one of the top five spots for bringing in donations.
The Salvation Army says that may be because volunteers have the spot booked throughout the entire campaign.
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"If there are people there ringing, people are drawn more to it, so it really does help to help out," said Mary Nelson, a volunteer bell-ringer.
Nelson is no stranger to this holiday jingle. She's been volunteering for at least 15 years and each year does just one shift.
"Just one shift, usually, and that's only two hours. And I just say if anyone who can just do one shift, we'd get the 100 percent, and that'd be great," said Nelson.
With 16 days to go, and nearly a quarter of its $900,000 goal under its belt, Corps Officer Major O'Neil said the support has been tremendous, but that needs to continue if they're going to stay on track with this year's goal.
"That's a little bit behind where we were last year at this time, but still fairly close," said O'Neil.
He said simply setting out a kettle just doesn't cut it.
"People do not donate money to kettles that are just sitting there. It's very important that they're greeted. It's very important that they're thanked. It's very important that that whole process happens exactly like it is," said O'Neil.
On Realtor Ring Day Friday, Dec. 7, every single location across the metro is expected to be filled.
