Tis the season to give. The Salvation Army is hoping the community will give the gift of time this year since they're running short of volunteers for the annual Red Kettle campaign.

Since The Salvation Army's beginnings, contributions to its Red Kettle Campaign have gone back to the local community to those in need of help. In Berks County, "We have locations in Exeter, in Wyomissing, in the city of Reading on the Fifth Street Highway, all the way out to Temple," said Major Colin DeVault, of The Salvation Army.

This year, The Salvation Army has seen a dramatic decrease in volunteer bell ringers, DeVault said. As a result, donations are down too.

"We're considerably behind. There're a number of locations that I just haven't had volunteers for. It's not good," said DeVault.

Local churches, businesses and organizations have volunteered in numbers to help the campaign. This year, the stability that once existed, he said, is no longer there. He wonders if people do not realize The Salvation Army still needs volunteers.

"Everyone that's volunteered at least once wants to come back. They get as much out of the experience as the givers do," said Scott Culbertson, volunteer.

DeVault stated that those interesting in volunteering can provide The Salvation Army with availability that best fits your schedule. The Red Kettle Campaign ends on Christmas Eve, December 24th.

"We still have plenty of places open and available and we need volunteers," said DeVault.

There are other ways you can donate if you do not see a bell ringer. Text the word "savor" - to 80888 to make a $10 dollar donation towards the Red Kettle campaign. So far, The Salvation Army has received around $2,500 through this effort.