Across the Alleghenies, bells have been ringing for about two weeks. In Altoona, the Salvation Army is already $1,600 short of its $55,000 goal and according to officials, they're struggling to catch up.

Salvation Army officials said with the cost of gas and oil on the rise, many people are strapped for cash this time of year. However, that doesn't normally stop Blair County residents from being more than generous around the holidays. Officials said the problem is, they can't find enough people to ring the bells.

"Giving them the opportunity to give at the kettles is what we're having a hard time doing," said Capt. Larry Setty of the Salvation Army.

With seven kettle locations in Altoona, the Salvation Army could only set up at five locations this year. And they're begging people to help cover the shifts.

"Maybe people don't know, but we need volunteers. We can't do this on our own. We need help raising this money," said Setty.

The red kettles will stay out until Christmas Eve.

In Altoona, the Salvation Army needs bell ringers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday but Sunday.