The Salvation Army does much to help our communities. And at this time of year, they could use our help.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, famous for its bell-ringing as Americans conduct their holiday shopping, is launching soon.

Our local corps of the Salvation Army is looking for volunteer bell-ringers and we invite everyone and anyone with a little free time during this season to consider helping the organization out.

And, of course, we invite everyone to chip in when they see the Salvation Army’s red kettles.

As joyous as Christmas and the holidays are for many, we all are painfully aware that the stresses and challenges that confront many of our neighbors do not take a break for this time of year — if anything, they are unfortunately compounded.

We hope our readers can remember such families’ obstacles and, in the spirit of Christmas compassion and generosity, contribute however they can.

Kindness and concern for our communities is part of what this season celebrates. We all need to find ways of celebrating these fundamental virtues.