Bell-ringers are now stationed at various locations across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows raising money for those in need.

The Salvation Army鈥檚 annual Christmas kettle campaign is already in full-swing, and with only three more weeks to go, they have only raised a quarter of their $120,000 goal for this years campaign.

鈥淚n today鈥檚 economy, giving can be a challenge for some families,鈥� said Major Dave Macpherson, executive director for The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows.

The kettle campaign is the charitable organization鈥檚 primary fundraiser every year and spans a six-week period at more than 15 locations across Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

Christmas Kettles are hosted by volunteers for the organization, in two-hour shifts, explained Amelia Norrie, fundraising coordinator for the Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries, and she is encouraging any interested member of the community to sign up.

鈥淕roups are more than welcome to host a kettle, as several groups from the community are scheduled at Kettles this year, including Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association, Ridge Meadows Titans Swim Club and the Rotary Clubs of Haney and Meadow Ridge,鈥� noted Norrie.

There are more than 1,600 hours of kettles shifts left to fill until the end of the campaign on Sunday, Dec. 24.

鈥淗owever, people are still looking for ways to give back, and the best way to do that is giving the gift of time,鈥� said Macpherson.

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One of the most important days for the campaign is the Walmart Fill the Kettle day which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 18, when Walmart Canada will match donations at all Walmart kettles across the country.

The Ridge Meadows Salvation Army will also have a kettle at the Port Coquitlam Costco location, beginning on Saturday, Dec. 9, until the end of the campaign.

In addition to cash donations, tap donations will also be accepted at all locations.

Interested volunteers can contact the Kettle Coordinator, Stuart at rmkettles@salvationarmy.ca.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country.

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The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows is a multi-function facility focused on providing the essential needs of food, shelter, and support to the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

Last year the organization provided: 20, 215 daily school lunches to more than 200 students; 128 Christmas hampers to families and seniors; 208 families with baby and toddler essentials; more than 400 students with back-to-school supplies; 186 thrift store vouchers; 267 emergency food hampers; 50 vulnerable children a week at summer camp at Camp Sunrise on the Sunshine Coast; 92, 560 meals to families, seniors, and individuals in their Community Meal Program; assistance to 27 people to find housing; and help to 29 individuals to find treatment or detox.

For more information on the programs and services offered by The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows year-round, email amelia.norrie@salvationarmy.ca.