The sounds of Christmas bells will be in the air the weekends of December 13-14 and 20-21 when the Salvation Army bell ringers set up at locations around town. This year the Red Kettles will be at the following locations: Stop & Shop, Yankee Wine & Liquor, Bottle Stop, Dunkin’ Donuts, Newtown General Store, Walgreens, and Bagel Delight.

The organization is hoping it will be able to increase donations in 2024, as 90% of all donations raised will help Newtown residents directly. The local unit of the Salvation Army, in partnership with Newtown Social Services Department, addresses emergency needs of Newtown residents. The money raised from the Newtown Salvation Army Red Kettle collection stays in Newtown to help pay for food, rent, and utility costs.

For readers interested in assisting, visit bityl.co/SmTl or send email to gnanavaty7746@yahoo.com to get an hour time slot at a location to volunteer time as a bell ringer. Readers can also help by filling the red kettles they see around town with whatever they have to give.

Donations can be mailed from a business or individually to Newtown Salvation Army c/o Newtown Social Services, 28 Trades Lane, Newtown CT 06470.