Newtown members of the Salvation Army encourage the public to support the 2014 Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, scheduled to take place over two weekends in December.

Volunteer bell ringers will be stationed outside of Yankee Wine & Spirits on Queen Street, Stop & Shop in Sand Hill Plaza, Walgreens on South Main Street, and Barnwood Grill in the Queen Street Plaza on Fridays, December 12 and 19, from 4 to 8 pm.

Ringers will also solicit donations outside of Dunkin’ Donuts on Queen Street, from 8 am to noon; Yankee Wine & Spirits, from noon to 4 pm; Walgreens and Stop & Shop, from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, December 13 and 20.

The Newtown/Bethel Chapter of Salvation Army has undertaken the kettle collection for more than 30 years, accepting donations that range from children’s pennies to a check of $100. Ten percent of money collected goes to Salvation Army headquarters in Hartford, and the remaining 90 percent stays in Newtown, to help residents in need.

Volunteering is a pleasant experience, said many veteran members of the local Salvation Army chapter on Tuesday, December 2.

“Everyone is very nice to us,” said Alan Martin, and others piped in that “People thank us. They tell us stories, and they buy us coffee.” Little children, said Marie Sturdevant, love to put the coins in the kettle.

Newtown Lions Club members will staff the kettle at Stop & Shop, Saturday, December 13. On Saturday, December 20, members of Newtown Congregational Church and its Men’s Club will take over that position.

Additional volunteers are needed to ring bells for charity, in one hour slots, December 12 and 19, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and on December 13 and 20, from 8 am to 4 pm. To volunteer, contact Anna Wiedemann at aroosterw@yahoo.com or 203-417-3004. Families, couples, and individuals are welcome to volunteer.