In the coming weeks, the sounds of the Christmas season will grow louder in Selma and Dallas County, and the loudest noise will again come from the tiniest bells.

Salvation Army will be hosting a kickoff ceremony for their annual Red Kettle Campaign at 11 a.m. Friday in front of Selma City Hall, and Salvation Army Major Steve Welch said the event is being held to remind the public of the help they can provide.

“Friday is the formal kickoff to let everybody know we are starting off and hopefully we can encourage a few more people to volunteer,” Welch said.

He added anyone is welcome to volunteer and ring a bell by one of the red kettles that will soon be seen — and heard — around Selma.

“The main thing for people to consider is this is a fun activity and it helps us help needy people at Christmas time,” Welch said. “Everyone could enjoy volunteering at one of our kettles. If someone as bashful as me can do it and enjoy it, I truly believe that everyone can.”

Welch said individuals are welcome to volunteer, along with churches, families and business. Last year, at least one JROTC group volunteered as well.

Welch said the first kettles would be seen around town this Friday, and that more will be placed around the Selma Walmart store the day after Thanksgiving.

In the past, Welch said kettles have be placed at several entrances to the Selma Mall and around other local pharmacies and grocery stores, but the final list of locations for this year is still being put together.

“We haven’t confirmed with all of them yet, but we will hopefully be collecting at all of those same locations again this year,” Welch said.

Last year, Welch said more than 500 volunteered to ring bells outside the several locations in Dallas County, raising nearly $39,000 in donations.