Last year, Salvation Army here in State College raised nearly 54,000 dollars from their well known Red Kettle fundraiser, and they hope to beat that amount this year, but they are in serious need of volunteers to help make that happen.

It’s one of the most well-known holiday fundraisers out there.  Staci Ferreira is a Corps Officer for State College Salvation Army, and says volunteers have not been signing up for the Red Kettle fundraiser like they did in years past.

“We need more volunteers, especially this year.  Last year we didn’t have all of our spots covered everyday, and that might not seem like a big thing, but it is.  When you have nobody standing at Walmart for an entire day, that loses upwards of 200 dollars for us a day,” said Lieutenant Staci Ferreira of Salvation Army.

The fundraiser raises money for families in need during the holidays.  Ferreira said she just wants to make sure every family can enjoy a proper christmas.

“It’s just knowing that somebody is going to have a good Christmas.  Somebody is going to be able to stay in their home.  Somebody is going to be able to wake up on christmas morning and run down to the tree and have a present under the tree,” said ferreira.

Signing up is super easy.  Go to www.RedKettleVolunteer.org.  Click new user.  Fill out your contact information, and select the shifts you want to volunteer.

“Usually volunteers sign up for a couple hours.  Maybe an hour, maybe two, maybe three, and you’re out there ringing the bell and you just have to smile, say hi to people, Merry Christmas, thank you,
 Said ferreira.

The fundraiser doesn’t officially start until Black Friday, so if you are interesting in helping out, there is still time to sign up.