The largest annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army is underway. 

The Red Kettle Campaign kicked off earlier this month and is in full swing nationwide. 

In Clearfield County, 6 News spoke with two chapters about how the campaign is going so far. 

"It was a nail biter all the way and I expect this year will be a nail biter all the way too," said Sharon Harford, Captain of the Clearfield Salvation Army. 

Harford is referring to the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign season. She told 6 News that the chapter reached its goal at the very end of the fundraiser.

Last year the chapter reached its goal of $37,000.

Harford hopes this year they can raise $40,000 to help those in need in the Clearfield area. 

"I know it's a hard choice for some, because when you have a limited income you have to make a determination, but the local communities do need the funding," she said. 

Harford added that for the last two years the Salvation Army in Clearfield County has not received federal funding for emergencies.

At the Clearfield Salvation Army, the shelves in the food pantry are nearly bare. 

Harford said that they don't want to turn anyone away during the season of giving. 

"The needs seem to increase each and every year," said Major David Maddock of the Salvation Army in DuBois. 

Maddock told 6 News that the chapter is a few hundred dollars behind where they were this time last year during the campaign.

Last year the chapter raised $60,000.

Maddock said they have raised the goal to $67,000 for this year. 

Maddock is hopeful that people will be generous and donate. He said that they are also looking for volunteers to ring bells. 

"If you want to stand, you want to ring the bell, and you want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas for the Salvation Army, that's the way to do it," he said. 

You can contact the Salvation Army in Clearfield at 765-4981, and the Salvation Army in DuBois at 371-5485.