LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The ringing of bells has returned as the Lima Salvation Army kicked off its Summer Red Kettle Drive, which runs through July 31.
The annual fundraiser is designed to help offset the seasonal decline in donations while providing financial support for the organization's day-to-day operations and assistance programs.
Money raised through the campaign helps the Salvation Army provide essential services to individuals and families in need, including food assistance, rent support and other emergency aid.
Organizers are also encouraging community members to volunteer by signing up for a bell-ringing shift throughout the month.
Gene Hughes, who has volunteered with the Salvation Army for the past five years, said more people should consider donating their time to the effort.
"They need to come out. Everybody needs help, whether you're young, whether you're old. The kids need to do it in the summer when there's no school to go to. And old people like me don't have anything better to do, so they ought to get up off their butts and go help."
Anyone interested in volunteering for a couple of hours can call the number provided by the Lima Salvation Army to schedule a date, time and location for a bell-ringing shift. 419-757-4655
