The Austin Salvation Army continues to seek help with manning kettles this Christmas season.

To date, said Stacy Wisemore, who is volunteer coordinator for the Austin center, only 31 percent of the bell-ringing slots have been filled.

Families, groups or businesses are encouraged to sign up to ring during the Christmas season, which is the corps’ annual fundraiser that provides services for those in need.

Money raised through the red kettles benefits the Salvation Army’s food shelf, rent and utilities, programs and more.

This year, the kettle campaign will begin on Friday, Nov. 24 as part of the Christmas in the City kick-off on Main Street.

It ends on Dec. 23, said Wisemore.

The kettle campaign this year hopes to raise $105,000.

Capt. Dave Amick also hopes to provide more kettles, such as smaller kettles seen on counters of stores.

Some businesses are matching funds with whatever their employees raise during a day at the kettles. The corps hopes to see more of those challenges this season.

The kettles are manned each day, normally in two-hour shifts, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the season, from eight locations in the city.

To sign up for bell ringing, go to www.registertoring.com, or contact Wisemore by calling her at the office.

Contest period still open for Create a Kettle

This year, a special contest will be held for all ages: Anyone willing is challenged to participate in a “Create A Red Kettle from Scratch” contest. Anyone with a hankering for the holidays is asked to create a special red kettle — but decorated with a theme, such as a sports team, a movie, a historical event and so on — and bring it to the Salvation Army Corps office by Nov. 20. They will be put on display at the ArtWorks Center and the public will vote, with a donation, on the best one. They will be available for viewing for the Nov. 24 kick-off.

Wisemore reminds would-be kettle artists that the creation includes the creation of the kettle itself.

If you have questions about bell ringing, call Wisemore at 437-4566.