NATCHEZ &8212; Silver bells are a little quieter this year in Natchez, and Salvation Army Director Janet Trahern hopes volunteers will step up to fix that.

The Salvation Army has a shortage of volunteers ringing bells beside collection kettles this year, Trahern said.

&8220;We are in desperate need of bell-ringers,&8221; Trahern said. &8220;We usually have about 15, but we have about nine now.&8221;

The ringers don&8217;t ask for money, she said, they simply greet people and thank them if they donate. They choose the hours they want to work, and while some volunteer for 10 hours at a time, others work for only a couple.

The money collected goes to help people with food, utilities and other needs throughout the year.

&8220;A lot of our (volunteers) say it makes them feel good,&8221; Trahern said.

One such volunteer is Melissa Turnage, who rang while she cheerfully shivered in the cold Friday.

While this is Turnage&8217;s first year to volunteer, she comes from a long line of Christmastime bell-ringers.

&8220;My grandfather did it and my Mom&8217;s done it,&8221; Turnage said. &8220;My grandfather was really good at it.&8221;

Like her grandfather, Turnage said she&8217;s a people person, and it showed as she greeted shoppers and chatted cheerfully, missing no one.

&8220;I love talking,&8221; she said. &8220;Some people don&8217;t answer, but you just smile and God-bless them, anyway.&8221;

Turnage is one of those who works 10-hour days, and to get through it, she sings Christmas carols.

To her, the time spent ringing was worth it.

&8220;The more money they put in, the more (The Salvation Army) can help people.&8221;

To volunteer to ring, call 601-442-0217.