OBSERVER File Photo The Salvation Army is in need of help raising funds this holiday season.

The Salvation Army needs all the help it can get to continue to support the community of northern Chautauqua County. This holiday season presents several ways to help.

The signature red kettle donation posts have been set up for weeks now in northern Chautauqua County, but while the obvious need for donations is as prevalent as ever, the Salvation Army is also in need of people to man the kettles and ring the bells themselves. The need for bell ringers has become so dire that the Salvation Army has been offering to pay for workers to cover shifts, which lowers the profits collected.

“We’re trying to do our best to make sure that the kettle stands are filled and we’re able to raise the funds that we need to be able to provide food year-round, not just during the holidays,” said Major John Merchant of the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army sets up at Tops Markets in Mayville, Westfield, Silver Creek, and on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk, as well as Walmart in Fredonia, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

To offer to help, call The Salvation Army at (716) 366-3701 or contact Major John Merchant at (716) 720-0166.

Donations benefit the Salvation Army in many ways, including its Food Pantry. The need to keep the building operational, with regular hours each week, has put a strain on the organization’s fundraising efforts to meet the community’s needs.

The Salvation Army has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of families requesting assistance from the Food Pantry, from 50 families a month several years ago to now approximately 250 families each month.

Volunteers for the Food Pantry are encouraged to reach out, as well. The Food Pantry is open Tuesday-Thursday each week from 9 a.m. until noon. The Pantry will also be open on Mondays starting in January.

Christmas food baskets are also being prepared for distribution on Monday, Dec. 23. Children ages 12 and under will also be receiving gifts with the baskets. Volunteers are also encouraged to assist with putting the baskets together from Dec. 19-21.

Donations can also be made online at give.salvationarmy.org or through easternusa.salvationarmy.org. Follow The Salvation Army – Dunkirk, NY on Facebook for more information.