EAGLE COUNTY — The Vail Valley Salvation Army is seeking to raise $55,000 this year through its annual Christmas season bell-ringing efforts, a nearly 6 percent increase in last year's record-setting fundraising total of $52,000. The community's help is needed to make that happen.

"We have over 1,000 time slots to fill between Friday after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve," said Jeanne Mosier, a volunteer for Vail Valley Salvation Army. "We'll be ringing bells from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. outside of City Market in Avon, Vail and Eagle, Safeway in Vail, Wal-Mart and the Edwards Village Market."

Mosier says that bell ringers have historically been a diverse group. Businesses, schools, churches, boy scouts and girl scouts, firefighters, police and individuals have all lent a hand.

You can help

With only two paid staff, funds raised from this community effort provide emergency services to meet human need locally. This includes emergency transportation, a food pantry, transient help, senior care, holiday food baskets, law enforcement programs, medical equipment loans and more.

You can sign up for bell ringing slots at http://www.salvation armyvail.org. Click "Volunteer Opportunities," then "Bell Ringer Volunteer Sign Up." Be sure to select a location first, and you will be able to see open time slots.

"I think the local Salvation Army is one of the best-run charitable organizations in our area," Mosier said. "Bell ringing is a great way to connect with the community and to benefit the community."