The tinkling of bells and red kettles outside of stores has become as synonymous with the Christmas season as lights and Santa Claus. The 2015 Salvation Army Red Kettle drive ended on Christmas Eve in Decatur County and proved to be the most successful yet.

With the help of many civic groups and businesses that took turns ringing the bell the local Salvation Army raised $33,736.86. The Salvation Army uses 92 cents of every dollar collected to help families in need throughout the county.

“Great to see the involvement of the group and businesses that allowed their employees to ring the bell,” Salvation Army Service Center Director Stacy Warren said.

The Decatur County Lions Club raised the most money during their turn ringing the bell with total donations equally $806.58.

Warren said their goal for next year is to double the amount of groups and businesses that volunteer to ring the bell.

“If people would like to be part of the excitement next year call ahead to be added to the volunteer list,” Warren said.