Paula Eaton is a veteran bell ringer. She's volunteered in years past for the Salvation Army's annual kettle donation drive. And she's done it in all types of weather.

"It's not difficult, it's just cold. It's kind of fun, as a matter of fact," she says.

But it appears that people like Paula are fewer and farther between. Across the nation, Salvation Army organizations are seeing fewer people volunteer to staff those kettles and ring those bells.

"We have a desperate need for volunteer bell-ringers," says Christmas Drive chairman James Maley, "this year more than any other year. We don't have very many this year."

The Salvation Army still staffs high-traffic locations like Wal-Mart all the time. But it has fewer volunteers posted on days when the store traffic is expected to be down.

But do fewer kettles mean fewer and lesser donations? Apparently not.

"When it's perceived times are going to be hard, we have a hard time getting people to ring bells," Maley says. "But the donations tend to keep pace with the need."

Parkersburg Commander Major Vernon Dolby adds the Salvation Army is in need of donations for drives such as its angel tree toy donation campaign.

The Salvation Army continues to seek volunteers to man the kettles up until Christmas.

In Parkersburg and Wood County, you can volunteer by calling (304) 485-4529.