For one local charity, 'tis the season for giving... and also for getting.

The Salvation Army's kettle campaign brings in more than half its yearly donations.

While tight budgets might lead to tough times for bell ringers, you can help without donating a dime.

"Over Christmas and Thanksgiving people have the right spirit," says Long Time Bell Ringer Donald Enerson.

Year after year for 20 years, Enerson has jingled his bell hoping to hear the jingle of coins.

"My uncle was in World War II. He always spoke well of the Salvation Army,” Enerson says. “That always stuck in my memory from a kid on."

Enerson says times have changed since he started ringing, but the constant remains… the change.

"Things are a little harder now, but they seem to give a little better," Enerson says still ringing.

This year the Salvation Army in Eau Claire County and Chippewa Falls is hoping to bring in $280,000. So far, the kettles have pulled in about $40,000, a seventh of the goal.

"We do have a big goal. It's a lot of money, but all the money stays in the community. With the economy we know it's tough, but every little penny, nickel and dime helps,” says Captain Andrew Shiels with the Salvation Army.

Shiels says last year, the Salvation Army fell $14,000 short of its $266,000 kettle goal and $30,000 short in total. The organization still helped 26,000 people. But there's no denying times are tough.

"We haven't had to turn people away, but we did set a goal with how many people we can help with food. We already hit the limit with our Christmas food baskets," Shiels says.

Still, the captain has faith that his volunteers will hit that $280,000 mark and his army will continue to help everyone who asks.

"Locally people drop in change and dollars,” says Bell Ringer Thomas Miller as he thanks someone for their donation. “We certainly appreciate dollars, but every little bit helps."

If you don't have the cash, but have an hour or two to spare, Captain Shiels says the Salvation Army still has 5000 bell ringing shifts that need filling.

You can call 834-1224 or CLICK HERE to sign up on-line.