It's that time of the Christmas season where bells are ringing and red kettles are waiting for your donations.

The Salvation Army kickstarted their annual Christmas Kettle Campaign on November 17th and they're still looking for volunteers to help in Airdrie and Rocky View County.

"We specifically have kettles in the Airdrie Wal Mart and at Cross Iron Mills and also at Rocky View Costco as well," says Executive Director for the Calgary Area Karen Livick, "We're looking for volunteers in those areas to help us out with the kettle shifts."

Livick says they've set their goal for this year similar to what they raised in 2016. The Kettle Campaign exceeded their goal of $1 Million across Alberta and Livick says all of those donations stay in the area, especially with the need being greater this Christmas.

"What we're seeing is actually increased demand for our services. Those supports to families who are probably hitting longer term unemployment or lesser employment as we go through the last couple years."

As for volunteer commitments, Livick says it's not a huge amount of time they're asking for.

"Volunteers can committ to what works for them. Typically it's a three hour shift or if they have to do shorter or longer that's great."

If you're interested in volunteering at the Airdrie or Rocky View locations you can visit TSA Calgary Kettles.

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com