You’ve, no doubt, been hearing the ringing of bells when going out into the community in the last week or so. No, it’s not Clarence giving you a sign he’s gotten his wings, but volunteers helping the Salvation Army as part of its annual kettle campaign.

The Salvation Army’s efforts to raise money, purchase food and toys, and collect donations of the same, has become so interwoven with the holiday season that we typically anticipate hearing those bells ringing as we venture out to do our shopping beginning in mid November and lasting well into December.

No matter the year, and through various changes in leadership, it is one of the things which persist, both about the organization itself and the opportunity of support from the community.

Many of us, when we are able, probably carry a few extra dollars with us to put into the kettle.

The community comes together this time of year and finds ways to help.

Sometimes that can turn into a bit of friendly competition.

For the last few years, the Brooke and Hancock Young Professionals and the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights have challenged each other to see which group could raise the most for the Salvation Army. It became a war of words and social media posts with fun jabs at each other.

This year, it’s expanded with the Yo-Pros upping the challenge to any local civic organization interested in playing their reindeer game. Whether you are a Young Professional, Rotarian, Lion, Kiwanian, or part of another group, you are invited – and encouraged – to call the Salvation Army offices serving Hancock and Brooke counties and volunteer your time.

Some city officials have gotten into a little competition of their own. Weirton Mayor Dean Harris issued a challenge to Follansbee Mayor Scott McMahon to see which city could raise the most. If you happened to visit the Weirton Walmart or Follansbee Riesbeck’s on Friday, there’s a good chance you saw one of our two mayors or a member of the respective city councils stationed at the kettle.

It’s all about the giving, though, even with a little friendly banter of competition.

It’s also not the only campaign to help the Salvation Army or other organizations this time of year.

Shop with a Cop has been active in our area for many years, with donations sought by local law enforcement departments to provide some toys and other needs to area youth who might not receive something for the holidays.

Applications for the program have been taken, and interviews with applicants are wrapping up, but I’m sure organizers will still accept any funds to support the cause as they approach the shopping day in a couple of weeks.

Even if your contribution doesn’t get there in time, it could help to make sure there’s something for next year. Anyone wishing to donate can mail a check or money order to Shop With A Cop; P.O. Box 210, New Cumberland, WV 26047.

The City of Weirton has its own benefit drive, which will be concluding Dec. 5. Toys will go to the Salvation Army, while donations of non-perishable food will be to the Brooke-Hancock Family Resource Network to assist with its various food pantries and blessing cabinets.

Donations can be made at the Weirton Municipal Building, two Weirton Fire Department Stations, the Millsop Community Center, and the Mary H. Weir Public Library.

This is the season of giving, and while an increasing number of us are facing unexpected challenges these days, whenever possible it’s still important to remember that aspect of the holidays. We are at our best when we come together as a community.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)