With Christmas approaching, the Salvation Army is reaching out for donors and volunteers to help provide assistance to needy families.

Volunteers are needed to ring bells for the Red Kettle Drive, which will be activated in Hartselle on Friday after Thanksgiving with ringers at Walmart and Krogers.

“We need people to ring bells at both of these locations Monday through Saturday from now until Christmas Day,” said Carol Brazier, a Salvation Army employee. “Anyone who is willing to volunteer for at least four hours is encouraged to call me at 256-353-2822. We are especially interested in enlisting the help of community organizations and church groups.”

Brazier said kettle donations are used throughout the year to help fund Salvation programs.

Help is also needed to provide Christmas gifts for children of needy families through the Salvation Army’s Angel Trees. These trees are located at Walmart and Krogers. Each one is decorated with ornaments that represent the Christmas wishes of children ranging in age from infants to 12-year-olds. Each ornament identifies the child by his or her first name, age, clothing sizes and a gift wish list. Donors are asked purchase gifts for the child of their choice and return them to the Angel Tree not later than Dec. 12. The gifts are wrapped and distributed to the children at a Salvation Army Christmas Program on Dec. 21.

Other ways to help needy families through the Salvation Army include making a cash donation, donating serviceable clothing to the Salvation Army Thrift Store, donating non-perishable food items and volunteering to help wrap Christmas gifts for children.