Having completed its traditional four days of bell ringing, the Newtown chapter of The Salvation Army has decided to continue this year’s effort.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Campaign Co-Chair Steve Bennett said the additional day is in response to those who already volunteered time this month or were unable to volunteer on December 6-7 or 13-14.

“Thank you to all the volunteers that rang for us the previous two weekends this year,” Mr Bennett said via e-mail blast Monday, December 16. “Several volunteers asked about ringing this weekend and we have decided we will ring Saturday.”

The Salvation Army chapter has arranged for four locations to be available on Saturday, December 21. Volunteers are needed to cover openings at Dunkin’ Donuts, 6 Queen Street, from 8 to 11 pm; each entrance of Stop & Shop in Sand Hill Plaza, 228 South Main Street, from 9 am until 3 pm (so 12 slots total need to be filled for that address); and Bottle Stop, 5 Queen Street, from noon until 3 pm.

“Each ringing slot is only one hour,” Mr Bennett reminds those considering the request to help. “Singing Christmas carols, ringing as a family or with your dogs, is optional and encouraged.

“Proceeds go to Newtown Social Services Department in support of programs for our neighbors in Newtown,” he added, saying also that “90 percent of all the funds we collect stay in Newtown.”

Anyone interested in volunteering on December 21 is asked to register as soon as possible through SignUpGenius (Extra Bill Ringing Day). Volunteers can also contact Bell Ringing Campaign Co-Chair Anna Weidemann at aroosterw@yahoo.com, 203-417-3004 or 203-426-1035.