YAKIMA--We're a little more than five weeks from Christmas, but that's not stopping the Salvation Army from getting into the holiday spirit and coaxing others to join them.

If you've been to the Wray's on 56th and Summitview, you already know the bells are ringing.  The Salvation Army's kettle drive has begun.

The charity's work is especially important in times of need.  For many, right now qualifies as one of those times.  That's why our Yakima chapter's set their donation goal at $100,000.

That might sound high, but it's only $4,000 more than last year's total.  Army soldiers have faith Yakima's giving nature will ring out.

"If people just pick the change out of their pocket as they walk by the kettle, even half the people [who walk by], we're going to surpass our goal this Christmas season," Lisa Sergeant, Salvation Army, said.

Donations go into Salvation Army's general fund.  The money will pay for food, clothing, holiday gifts and emergency relief.

Every penny will stay here in the Yakima Valley.

The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers.  If you're interested, stop in to their 6th Avenue store or call them at 509-453-3139.

Bell ringers will be stationed at the following locations beginning Friday, November 20:

All three Yakima Walgreen's; all three Yakima Wray's Thriftways; Rosauers; K-Mart; the Red Apple and Sav-On Foods in Selah; the 16th Ave. Albertson's, the 5th Ave. & 40th Ave Bi-Marts; and the Union Gap and 56th Ave. Shopko stores.

Bell ringers will be stationed at the following locations beginning Friday, November 27:

Both Yakima Wal-Marts; all four Yakima Safeway's; and the 40th Ave. Albertson's.