Ringing bells are a common sound during the Christmas season. They often can be heard at local stores as people raising money for the Salvation Army ring bells by the red kettles for contributions.In turn, the Salvation Army uses the money to help needy families during the holidays and beyond.According to Ken Locke, of the Salvation Army, its goal this year is to raise $112,000. The bell ringers and red kettles are at Wal-Mart, Big K-Mart, both Owen's locations and Marsh.There are also 80 counter kettles in area businesses. Another way the organization helps children during Christmas is the Angel Tree program.Christmas trees are placed in four locations around the community.Children's names are put on decorations on the tree and people shop for them, both for clothes and toys.Of the 150 families in the Angel Tree program, there are approximately 230 children.The trees are at Big K-Mart, DePuy, Biomet and SPX in Pierceton.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016