Their kettle bells are a sound synonymous with the holidays. Every year, a fleet of bell ringers post out in front of storefronts across the country, asking for donations to help the Salvation Army.

“It’s very clear our community needs the extra funds to help families in need, and it’s really actually a privilege to be able to come out, and fun actually,” said Kathyrn Hankins, who volunteers through the Rush Lion's Club.

But this year something’s different. The Salvation Army says they are in need of more volunteer bell ringers, as donations decline due to changing shopping trends.

“This is the first time I’ve seen it this dead in all the years I’ve been doing this," said Bud Garver, who also was volunteering through the Rush Lion's Club. “I guess it goes hand-in-hand with all the stores closing [and] everyone shopping online. I’m guilty of that myself.”

Local Salvation Army spokesman Bob Barlow says their donations are down $13,000 from this time last year.

“We’ve lost four stores, and we continue to do that over time," Barlow said. "People are shopping more online, [stores] like Topp’s is having to consolidate. So it’s a sign of the times.”

To help make up the difference, the Salvation Army is asking for more volunteers — they are particularly seeking assistance during the evenings of the week.

“It’s two hours out of your day. My God you waste more time than that reading a book or sitting at a bar or something," Garver said. "This is way more beneficial.”

And don’t let the cold intimidate you. The bell ringers say you won’t regret it.

“You hear the bells and I think you really get reminded about the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of giving, and a real recognition that it’s not all about buying gifts or having the pressures of Christmas," Hankins said. "It’s about having a real feeling of giving to each other.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit www.registertoring.com.