A press release from the Salvation Army:

ROSEVILLE -– More people are bell ringing for the Twin Cities Salvation Army this year. So far, volunteers have signed up for nearly 11,000 hours of bell ringing, an 11 percent increase over the three-year average of about 9,900.

The reason for the increase?

“Good question,” said Major Darryl Leedom, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “It could be because of the unseasonably warm weather. Or it could be because in this tight economy, bell ringing is the perfect solution for people who want to give but can’t afford to. Whatever the reason, The Salvation Army is grateful for the extra help as we attempt to serve more people with less money.”

Although bell ringing hours are on the rise, tens of thousands of hours could go unfilled this Christmas season. There are about 110,000 hours of bell ringing available at more than 400 kettle sites in the Twin Cities.

Many of those hours are being filled by local high school students. From now until the kettle season closes on Dec. 24, National Honor Society students from Cooper, Armstrong, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Osseo and Maple Grove high schools are competing to see who can raise the most money bell ringing during a 16-hour period. The winner gets a free pizza party courtesy of the Papa John’s pizzeria in St. Louis Park.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of these students and the thousands of other bell ringers who are donating their time to The Salvation Army,” Leedom said.

A volunteer bell ringer collects an average of $30 an hour. That’s how much it costs The Salvation Army to provide a person with a hot shower, three meals and a warm place to sleep.

The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,000 hot meals and shelters 850 people. More than 14,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide a multitude of services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer or donate call 800-SAL-ARMY or visit www.thesalarmy.org.