'Hope Wanted' ; Is the theme of this year's Salvation Army campaign, which kicked off this week.

The Salvation Army in Bourbon County is kicking off its annual Christmas Campaign to help raise money for the poor, homeless and others in need who are often overlooked during the holidays and all year long.

This year's campaign theme, "Hope Wanted," draws attention to the continuing hardships many people are facing in the wake of the country's ongoing economic struggle. Many families are drained by waning unemployment benefits, the high cost of living and lack of jobs, a news release said.

The Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign is symbolized by the organization's red kettles, a holiday tradition that has served as a symbol of goodwill for more than 100 years, the release said. This year, volunteers will be ringing bells at Walmart and Woods supermarket. Kettles will also be placed on the counter at UMB Bank, the Pete's convenience store at Sixth and National and the one at 1920 S. Main, across from Shepherd Team Auto Plaza, said Tonya Cliffman, who organizers the bell ringers.

Locally, the Salvation Army in Bourbon County hopes to raise $10,000. This would be up from the $8,000 collected last year, Cliffman said. Bell ringers are needed anytime during the day Monday through Friday. Friday evenings and Saturdays are covered, she said.

Much of the money is used to help people pay utility costs -- gas, electric and water bills, Cliffman said. She added that the need for donations has likely increased from last year.

"The economy has again made it a rough year for many families, and we've seen it firsthand in the numbers of people coming to us for help," Director of Service Extension Randall Summit said in the release. "It's especially hard during the holiday season when so many of our neighbors don't know how they'll have the means to provide for their families. That's why The Salvation Army looks to our community for their generosity -- so we can show that same compassion and kindness to the less fortunate."

Salvation Army officials stress that any contribution will help -- and donations of time are accepted as gratefully as donations of money, the release said. "Reaching out to those in need by volunteering to ring the bell is a wonderful way to connect with the community, to give back and to share blessings and holiday joy," Summit said.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Cliffman at (417) 321-2550.