BELLS WILL BE RINGING — Alayna Bennett, left, and Eliza Hutt are among many Weir High School students who are staffing the kettles this year for the Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign. Salvation Army leaders on both sides of the Ohio River are seeking others to serve as bell ringers and aid it in other ways to help make the holiday merrier for local residents in need. -- Warren Scott

The Christmas season is near and with it the sights and sounds many associate with the holidays.

And that includes the ringing of bells at the red kettles in which the Salvation Army collects donations for area residents who are in need.

Leaders of the charity in Brooke, Hancock and Jefferson counties are seeking volunteers to man those kettles and help them in other ways.

Salvation Army Maj. Tonya Roberts said often many know of the food and gifts the organization distributes to families in need at Christmas but aren’t aware the annual kettle campaign helps to provide food, clothing, utility assistance and other aid to less fortunate members of the community year-round.

“We’re serving people throughout the year,” said Roberts.

As co-commanders of the Salvation Army in Brooke and Hancock counties, she and her husband, Maj. Eric Roberts, have challenged local Scouts, various civic groups, schools, businesses and others to step up and serve as bell ringers.

She said a trophy will be presented to the individual or group who collects the most money while doing so.

The bell ringers are needed between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 23.

Those interested can call (304) 748-3410 and ask for Tonya.

Many shoppers likely encountered a bell ringer this weekend as the kettle campaign was launched on Saturday outside of a number of local businesses.

Roberts said the Brooke-Hancock Salvation Army soon will be placing angel trees inside the Weirton Walmart and at other businesses, schools, churches and groups.

The trees contain paper angel ornaments, each bearing the Christmas wish of a local child in need. The wishes often include clothing and even, a warm winter coat, in the sizes needed by the youth.

Roberts noted some angel trees have been “adopted” by a business or group, such as the staff of Mountaineer Casino, Resort and Races and students at Weir High School.

Those who want to support the effort may do the same or select one ornament from an angel tree, she noted.

Roberts said those who want to help the efforts in Brooke and Hancock counties also may make a donation at a kettle or by mailing a check to the Salvation Army at P.O. Box 2499, Weirton, WV 26062.

In recent years, many of the kettles have been outfitted with a QR code, allowing supporters who don’t carry much cash to make a donation by swiping their credit cards at the scene.

Roberts said the Weirton-based Salvation Army is preparing to distribute food for Thanksgiving meals to about 300 households in Brooke and Hancock counties.

Roberts said for Christmas, it’s expected to provide food and gifts for about 200 families, including more than 300 children.

In Steubenville, the Jefferson County Salvation Army also is preparing for a busy holiday season, with its kettle campaign to begin on Saturday.

Those interested in serving as bell ringers may call or text (740) 282-5121 or register online at registertoring.com.

The Jefferson County Salvation Army also has an angel tree program.

Checks for the Salvation Army’s efforts there may be mailed to P.O. Box 1226, Steubenville, OH 43952.