As the holiday season approaches, the sound of holiday bells will soon echo across Troup County.

The Salvation Army is recruiting bell ringers at locations across LaGrange to raise funds for the coming year. 

“We need enough bell ringers to cover Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” said Cindy Watson, a Salvation Army volunteer of 20 years. “The money out of the kettles provides for the social services for the next year. It would be wonderful if we had enough people volunteer to cover every week.” 

Kettle bell ringing will take place from Nov. 28 through Christmas Eve at Walmart, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Belk and Big Lots. 

Watson said that Belk is a new addition this year, and they hope to add Walmart Neighborhood Market too. 

“Every bit of money that we raise stays in Troup County,” Watson said. “During the year when people need assistance, like rent assistance, that money go toward it. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year that we use for the people in Troup who are in need.”

The funds raised through Salvation Army bell ringing also go toward things like homeless shelters, disaster relief, children’s programs and more. 

“We just want any group or persons who want to come out and ring if they can,” Watson said. 

“It is best if they could do at least two hours. Some people do two hours, and some groups take a whole day with shifts. It all varies and is up to you.” 

A group, organization or individual looking to donate their time and volunteer to bell ring can contact Watson at cindyw12.cw@gmail.com or call (706) 837-4523.