Volunteers from local churches, civic organizations, schools and businesses and private individuals ring bells and man the kettles to raise money that is used in the Salvation Army's year-round work to help residents.

In the Shenango Valley, kettles are located in Hermitage at D'Onofrio's Food Center, Giant Eagle, Kmart, Kraynak's, the Shenango Valley Mall, Magnotto's Shop 'N Save and Wal- Mart; in Farrell at Farrell Golden Dawn; and in Sharon at Daffin's Candies, Reyer's Shoe Store and the Thornton Hall Golden Dawn.

In 2001, money from the Sharon-based corps' kettle drive paid for 660 hot meals that were served to senior citizens, and 350 people received a home-cooked meal on Thanksgiving Day, according to a news release. Winter outerwear was given to 168 children and senior citizens, and 190 nights' lodging were provided to homeless people. Families received assistance paying their electric bills, and 1,029 families received boxes of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas. At Christmas, 3,988 new toys were purchased for needy children.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call Maj. Ted Slye at (724) 347-5537.