Volunteers for The Salvation Army of Ada County will start “ringing bells” on Nov. 17. The bell ringers will be posted at about 40 stores across the county.

Volunteers are still needed through Dec. 24:

Volunteers can ring a bell at kettle stands in Boise, Meridian or Eagle. Volunteers are welcome any Monday through Saturday, with morning or afternoon shifts available in two or four hour increments. Singers and musicians are encouraged, and small groups are welcome. Contact: Darvin Pedersen at (208) 850-2069

In addition to giving to traditional kettles, supporters can also give online through the Army’s Online Red Kettles or the Army’s text-to-give program. Local donors may visit www.OnlineRedKettle.org/Boise to make a donation and supporters can create a virtual red kettle to raise donations from friends and family. Last year, more than $1.7 million was raised nationwide through Online Red Kettles to support the Christmas campaign. In addition, through December 24, donors can text the word “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Red Kettle Campaign.

The Salvation Army participates in several community-wide holiday events, as well as hosting its own traditional holiday programs in the Treasure Valley.

Here's a look at what's coming up:

Adopt a Family Dates: November 1 through Christmas Day Groups or individuals sponsor a family in need and provide them with stockings and toys for children, along with a traditional ham or turkey dinner complete with all the trimmings. Contact: Lillian Hubbell at (208) 433-4423

Food Drives Dates: November 1 to December 21 Individuals and groups can host a food drive to collect non-perishable and canned food, turkeys and hams. Contact: Mike McCoubrey at (208) 433-4434

Angel Trees Dates: November 12 to December 15 Groups such as churches, company employees, and students can host an Angel Tree to collect new toys for children in need here in Ada County. Trees are delivered to the collection site, along with “angel tags” that suggest age-appropriate gifts. Contact: Marvel Wood at (208) 794-1745

Kiwanis Turkey Drive Date: November 20, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Albertson’s shoppers in Eagle (Eagle Rd. & Hwy 44) can donate purchased turkeys to be given to needy families for Thanksgiving.

Boise Holiday Parade Date: November 24, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Volunteers carry red kettles and collect food items and toys along the downtown Boise parade route. Groups and families are welcome. Contact: Tina Braegger at (208) 433-4428

Stuff the Bus Date: December 1, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Valley Ride and local Fred Meyer stores partner with The Salvation Army for this annual event that provides new toys to children in Ada County. Volunteers (groups and individuals) help collect the toys donated by shoppers, and later unload the buses. Contact: Tina Braegger at (208) 433-4428

7 Cares Day Date: December 8, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Volunteers help collect donations from the community and/or load donations into barrels and delivery trucks at Boise’s Channel 7 and at the new Fred Meyer in Eagle at Chinden and Linder. Contact: Tina Braegger at (208) 433-4428

Wal-Mart Toy Drive Date: December 8, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Groups and individuals are needed to help collect donated toys at Wal-Mart locations in Ada County. Contact: Tina Braegger at (208) 433-4428