For the fourth year in a row, The Salvation Army of Greater Waterbury will ring bells over the Fourth of July weekend to raise much-needed funds for community assistance programs. This year brings a new twist to the campaign: In addition to two outdoor store entrance locations—manned by volunteers—countertop kettles will be placed inside various local businesses, where drop-in donations will be accepted.

Since 2009, volunteers have set up red kettles outside area stores in Greater Waterbury during the Independence Day weekend for the organization’s Christmas in July fundraiser. However, along with increasing need and shrinking funds, July locations available for bell ringing are very limited this year, leaving few options to run the campaign. The Salvation Army is asking people to please take notice of the inside kettles and give what they can.

“As summer begins and families focus on end-of-the-school-year events and vacations, the needs of others are not uppermost in people’s minds,” said Major Annette Lock. “However, many in our community are worried about how to feed their families, especially those with children who will not be receiving school meals over the summer months.

“Families are still struggling with monthly rent and utilities, and, sadly, many are still coming to the doors of our Family Shelter with no other place to go,” Lock reminded. “We are asking those who are able, to give so that we can continue to see these families in our community through the lean months.”

Bell ringers will be stationed at the Town Plot IGA on Fairfield Avenue in Waterbury and Dinova’s Four Corners Store in Middlebury on Sat., June 30, Mon., July 2, and Tues., July 3, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wed., July 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts on all four days. Please call Barbara Vitale at (203) 419-0341, Vitale Realty at (203) 574-8511, or Patti Moreno at (203) 233-0641 to sign up or for more information. Donations may also be sent to 74 Central Ave., Waterbury, CT, 06702. Please note “Christmas in July” with your donation.