Bell ringers needed: Salvation Army calls for holiday volunteers

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The Salvation Army in Salt Lake City is facing a shortage of bell ringers.

Only one-third of locations with the iconic red kettle are staffed with volunteers this year.

Donations fund programs for families; volunteers can sign up for two-hour shifts.

SALT LAKE CITY — The familiar sound of bells ringing beside bright red kettles has long signaled the Christmas season, encouraging shoppers to pause and give. But this year, the chorus of bells is quieter, as the Salvation Army faces a shortage of volunteer bell ringers.

This year, only a third of Salvation Army kettle locations are staffed with volunteers, leaving many bells silent across the state, according to organizers.

"We actually have 55 locations, but on average our volunteerism is