“Every little bit helps.”

That’s what Salvation Army bell ringer Betty Ruth Goodman said about volunteering for the organization.

The 60-year-old has been an Army volunteer since the age of four and she spent the Friday after Thanksgiving as a bell ringer for the Army’s famous red kettle holiday collection outside JCPenney at Selma Mall.

Friday was the first official day of the collection, Goodman said, adding the Army is still in need of volunteers to host area red kettles during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army’s Holiday Angel Tree Program also could use some helps from Santa’s elves.

The program – currently located inside Selma Mall – provides new clothing or toys for children of needy families.

Just go by the table in the center of the Selma Mall, pick out the name of a child, and you’ll receive instructions.

“I hope people will open up their hearts to put money in the kettle or take an angel off the tree,” Goodman said. “On Christmas morning, they’ll put of smile on a child’s face.”

Since 1891, the Army’s red kettles have been an American staple. This year the Army invites volunteers to host a red kettle online.

Prospective online bell ringers may register on the Web at www.onlineredkettle.org and may opt to host a personal or individual kettle, group kettles for civic groups and schools or business kettles.

It’s an opportunity to help ring in Christmas cheer.