Kettle Campaign in Need - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

It's become one of the most well known sounds of the season.

Reporter Sarah Gustin has the story of giving to the kettle this Christmas.

Whether it's braving the cold or standing inside the entryway of a busy business--bell ringers are jingling in hopes of reaching a six digit Kettle Campaign Goal.

Only 9 days remain to reach 105-thousand dollars.

Captain Tim Sell of the Bismarck/Mandan Salvation Army says the goal has to be reached because the need is greater now than it's ever been.

(Captain Tim Sell / Bismarck/Mandan Salvation Army) "Total services that we served last year were 18-thousand. That was up from a year ago at 14-thousand, so we have had a 25% increase in services." 

Captain Tim says every penny dropped in the bucket stays right here.

(Captain Tim Sell / Bismarck/Mandan Salvation Army) "It's everything from the youth in our community center where we are trying to add musical education for kids who can't afford an instrument. It goes to just a safe place to be after school it goes to rent, utility assistance, it goes to our food pantry which doubled in service last year to the community."

Captain Tim says right now volunteers to ring bells are just as important as the donations.

He says an empty kettle fill to between 3 to ten dollars a day. 

With ringers that number jumps to at least 200 dollars. 

(Captain Tim Sell / Bismarck/Mandan Salvation Army) "A kettle doesn't talk. Kettle doesn't say, I believe in the salvation army. Even someone who just smiles and grants people a merry Christmas speaks volumes for the Salvation Army. People understand that. It's just some intrinsic about volunteerism." 

Captain Tim estimates between 20-25 dollars was donated to this kettle during just 45 minutes of ringing. 

There are 13 kettles throughout Bismarck/Mandan.

If you would like to volunteer as a bell ringer call at 223-1889 or sign up online at salvation army north dot org.