Bell ringing season kicks off Saturday

That time of year where bell-ringers line the streets all over the city arrives Saturday when the Salvation Army of Douglas County launches its 2013 Bell Ringing Season.

The season will kick off in front of the US Bank at Ninth and Massachusetts streets at 9:50 a.m., according to Jim Evers, director of development for the local Army chapter.

According to an October press release, the organization hopes to raise $115,000 before Christmas, which will go toward aiding disadvantaged families.

“It is a vital time for the army as we begin a season where we raise a substantial amount of our annual budget to support needy families here in the Lawrence and Douglas County area,” Evers said.

Saturday’s kickoff event will include a short ceremony, where “a few statements will be read.”

The Army will host several holiday events as Christmas nears, two of which Evers wanted to highlight. A toy program called “Christmas Joy Shop” needs volunteers for the week of Dec. 9. Another event, called “Adopt-a-Family Distribution” will also need volunteers for the week of Dec. 16. Both events will take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Evers was unable to say how many had volunteered as of Tuesday to ring bells this season, but said, “I know we need a lot more volunteers.”

Those interested can sign up by visiting www.ringbells.org, or calling 843-4188.