The Selma Salvation Army kicked off its bell ringing season Friday alongside members of local government outside City Hall.

Along with the bell ringing effort, which brings in much needed funds to support the organization’s work, “Angel Trees” will be up at the Dallas County Public Library and other local businesses to collect gifts for children up to age 12.

This year, there are about 300 Selma children on the trees as well as another 60 from Demopolis.

“Right now, we’re having economic issues in this city and families are in need,” said Henry Allen, who coordinates volunteers for the organization’s holiday effort. “We’re trying to meet the needs of the community.”

So far, Wells Fargo and Alabama Power have signed on to “adopt” 10 children a piece.

“We just got started, but I’ve got a lot of ground to cover,” said Allen. “It’s a worthy cause.”

Selma’s Salvation Army will be ringing bells in Selma and Demopolis and collecting donations for six counties, including Dallas, Lowndes, Wilcox, Marengo, Perry and Choctaw, all with no paid staff.

“These are the Black Belt’s poorest counties that we represent,” said Allen. “The needs are so great.”

So far, a wide array of local businesses and organizations have signed on to help the Selma Salvation army in its bell ringing effort, including the Rotary Club, the Elk’s Lodge, Vaughan Regional Medical Center and a wide variety of local churches, sororities and fraternities and many others.

“We get most of our businesses here to help,” said Allen.

If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering to help, contact Allen at 334-407-8746 or Paula Goodman at 334-872-1646.