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Salvation Army bell ringer and U.S. Army veteran Juan Carrillo waves to customers at the Walton Boulevard Walmart on Wednesday, including Maykla Gallegos, 1 1/2, left, and Maria Brady, 3. This was his first time to ring a bell for the Salvation Army's Christmas campaign. "Since I'm new to Las Cruces, it's a good way to learn about and get a feel for the city and its people," the former Colorado resident said. "And it's for a good cause."

LAS CRUCES -- Bell-wielding, kettle-bearing Salvation Army staffers stationed at the door of your favorite shopping places are a sure sign that the holidays have arrived.

The local organization launched its annual Red Kettle Christmas campaign last Saturday, said Capt. Cristian Sibaja, commanding officer of the Salvation Army Las Cruces. They'll solicit donations of cash and change through Dec. 24.

"Our goal is to raise at least $60,000," he said.

Some 40 bell ringers are part of the group's roster this year, though usually only 17 of them are on duty on a given day, Sibaja said. Most are paid, he said, but there are some volunteers. They all wear Salvation Army identification tags.

Some $65,000 was raised in Las Cruces last year, Sibaja said.

The dollars raised in Las Cruces stay in the community, Sibaja said. They help pay for the group's efforts throughout the year to help the needy, including rent and utility bill assistance and food donations, he said. A portion goes to pay the bell ringers.

Diana M. Alba can be reached at (575) 541-5443.

How to donate

1. Visit one of about 20 locations each day in Las Cruces. Bell ringers work from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Some work Sundays. They can be found at:

• Sam's Club (2711 N. Telshor Blvd.)

• Walmart stores (1550 S. Valley Drive and 571 Walton Blvd.)

• Walgreens stores (2300 E. Lohman Ave.; 2700 W. Picacho Ave.; 3100 N. Main St., 1300 El Paseo

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Road and 3990 E. Lohman Ave.)

• Hobby Lobby (2350 E. Lohman Ave.)

• Kmart (3860 North Main St. and 1240 S El Paseo Drive)

• Big Lots (2350 E. Lohman Ave.)

• Lowe's grocery stores* (1410 Missouri Ave. and 2180 N. Main St.)

• Mesilla Valley Mall*: JC Penney, Sears, and Dillard's (700 S. Telshor Blvd.)

• Old Navy* (2200 E. Lohman Ave.)

* Bell ringers stationed here occasionally.

2. Visit the Red Kettle Christmas campaign online at www.salvationarmyusa.org

3. Text "Give" to 85944 to make a $10 donation to the Red Kettle campaign nationally.

4. Sign up as a volunteer. Sibaja said volunteers are needed to collect Red Kettle donations, pack food boxes, sort toy donations, visit senior homes and answer office phones. A background check will be conducted. Visit the organization's office, 1590 California Ave., Las Cruces for details.