Mahoning Valley - You know Christmas is near when you hear that bell ringing walking into the grocery store or mall.

As The Salvation Army starts to wrap up their 130 year tradition for the season, the red kettle campaign, there's still a critical need for bell ringers, especially in Trumbull County.

"The need is as great, if not more each year," said Chris Williams, Director with Trumbull County Salvation Army. 

Not enough bell ringers means not enough money coming into to the nonprofit.

Trumbull County sets their red kettle goal at $100,000 every year. With just about a week to go, they've reached the halfway mark.

"We are trending right about where we were last year but we only did about $76,000 last year," Williams said. 

Williams blames COVID-19 deterring more volunteers.

"It's the contact with people," he added. "Some people just don't want to have that contact and they want to be safe, which, I understand."

Directors from Mahoning County are fairly steady with bell ringers but say it's too late in the season to go through the process of getting more volunteers. They hope to get more money and toy donations to the non-profit.

Williams says it's still not too late to volunteer your time. Go to savolunteer.org to register. The campaign goes until Christmas Eve. 

On Monday, December 20, Salvation Army will be outside of the Eastwood Mall Food Court entrance during mall hours, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in efforts to reach their $100,000 goal for the season.

"We have a donor that has said they will match up to $3,000 as well," Williams said. 

You can also go to Salvation Army's website to make a charitable donation ahead of the holidays.