SIDNEY — With just over three weeks remaining in the campaign, The Salvation Army of Shelby County is currently 48 percent behind prior-year contributions.

To date, the Red Kettle Campaign has raised $9,331 and to needs to raise another $41,000, or more, to reach this year’s $50,000 goal. The campaign ends on Dec. 24, 2016.

“Although I’m concerned when donations are down, I remain confident that we can still make our goal this year,” says Lt. Joseph Hansen. “This community has a wonderful history of supporting our programs and services, and I believe this will be the case again this year.”

Lt. Hansen states that the reason that the kettles are behind by so much is not because of the giving, but rather the lack of volunteers to man the campaign.

“The donors are proving to be most generous. Our problem is that we are coming up short on volunteers to stand at the kettles,” said Lt. Hansen. To volunteer as a bell ringer, you can call The Salvation Army office at (937)492-8412.

You can also visit https://goo.gl/etRMfQb to find a time and date that is available to ring the bell.

Operating locally for 130 years, The Salvation Army has relied upon its iconic kettle campaign since the 1890s. Donations to the kettles allow The Salvation Army to provide life-changing social services and other programs throughout the year. In Shelby County, The Salvation Army provides an array of social services, including Emergency Food Assistance, After-School Programs, Emergency Disaster Services, Senior Services, and Christmas Assistance.

There are several ways to make a contribution to the 2016 Kettle Campaign. Red kettles and volunteer bell-ringers are located at Walmart, Kroger, and Foodtown. This year’s campaign also includes counter-top kettles at various locations. Those not able to visit a kettle location can donate online at http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/goto/Sidney_OH, or by sending a check to 419 N. Buckeye Ave., Sidney, OH 45365. The campaign runs through Dec. 24, 2016.