Holiday Volunteers Needed for Salvation Army Bell Ringers

It's that time of year again when volunteers for the Salvation Army don their red aprons, stand in front of their red kettles and ring bells to raise money for those in need.

This year, Patch is making it easy for you to sign up and become a bell ringing volunteer yourself.

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas campaign helps raise funds to provide food, clothes and toys to 6 million people nationwide.

Why volunteer? Here are the top 10 reasons why Salvation Army volunteers say they donate their time:

If you'd like to volunteer, choose your region below and sign up for a shift online. The money you raise will directly benefit families from that same neighborhood.

Find out how to volunteer in...

Mid-St. Louis County - Volunteer for more than 6,000 open spots in Brentwood, Crestwood, Des Peres, Frontenac, Kirkwood, Ladue, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Rock Hill, University City, Warson Woods and Webster Groves. Volunteers can register online or email Barbara Janssen or call 314-781-5434.

West St. Louis County / Creve Coeur - Volunteer to ring bells at Dierbergs in Creve Coeur. Volunteers 18 and older can register for shifts online. Email Capt. James Scott, or call 314-504-7566 for assistance.

Arnold and High Ridge - Help fill the almost 3,000 empty shifts at places like the Arnold Walmart or the High Ridge Schnucks. Volunteers 16 and older can look for shifts and register online. For help, call 636-464-0787.

South St. Louis County - Help fill the more than 1,200 empty shifts at places like the South County Mall, Schnucks and Walgreens in Mehlville, Oakville, Affton, Sunset Hills and Lemay. Volunteers 16 and older can sign up online. For help, contact Kirk Schuetz or call 314-631-1133.

Fenton and Shrewsbury - Help fill the more than 1,000 empty shifts and ring bells in Gravois Bluffs or Shrewsbury. Volunteers can register for shifts online, email John Aho, or call 314-323-1239.

O'Fallon, Lake St. Louis and Wenztville - Help fill the more than 1,600 empty shifts at local grocery stores. Volunteers 16 and older can register for shifts online. Email Colling Siener or call 636-240-4969 for assistance.

St. Charles and St. Peters - Help fill the more than 1,800 empty shifts at grocery stores, Mid Rivers Mall and other local shops. Volunteers 16 and older can register for shifts online. Email Marty Hudson or call 636 946 7966 for assistance.

Florissant and North St. Louis County - Help fill the almost 5,000 empty shifts at local Kmart, Schnucks, Walgreens and Walmart stores. Volunteers 16 and older can register for shifts online. Email Brian Thomas, or call 314-531-5621 for assistance.