As the masses head out to start their holiday shopping, the sound of giving will be in the air.

The ringing of the Salvation Army bells will be heard throughout Ames with volunteers enduring the elements to give back to the community.

The ringing of the bells, which started November 22, will continue until noon on December 24.

Leah Delavergne, assistant kettle coordinator for the Salvation Army, said several hundred volunteers in the Ames community will help out this holiday season to raise money for different charities sponsored by the Salvation Army.

She said the money is split up into individual categories and sent to different places.

Money will be directed to Third World countries, the Salvation Army food bank in Boone, needy families who need assistance in paying their monthly bills and various programs sponsored by the Salvation Army throughout the year, she said.

Delavergne said the city of Ames sets a goal each holiday season, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000 each year.

“Each city is different and as long as we reach that goal, we’re pretty happy about it,” she said.

Delavergne noted the large support from ISU organizations during the bell ringing fundraiser.

“We have a lot of fraternities and sororities volunteer for us,” she said.

“A lot of organizations group together and spread out to help.”

Delavergne said bell ringing is an excellent chance to volunteer in the community during the holiday season.

“It’s an opportunity to get out and show that people really do care,” she said.

“It shows that one person can really change another person’s life.”