Among the rush of holiday shoppers running in and out of the stores on Black Friday were the few, the brave, the Salvation Army bell ringers.

Their ringing bells are one of those sounds that lets you know the holidays are here.

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive is in full swing, and they're hoping the biggest shopping day of the year will help them help others.

"Today will be, we think, our biggest day of the season," said the Siouxland Salvation Army's Commanding Officer, Captain Von Vandiver.

The red kettles made their holiday debut last weekend, and already the Salvation Army is a third of the way to their goal of $165,000. It's a goal which they hope to be even closer to after the Black Friday crowds are gone.

"We're right on track, which is great, because with the economy so bad in so many parts of the country, we're a little nervous going into the season to see what would happen," said Vandiver. "I feel great that folks in Siouxland are remembering those in need this holiday season."

The tough economy means even more people are looking to the Salvation Army for help to make the season bright. The Siouxland Salvation Army will be handing out Christmas food baskets and toys that will help over 800 local families, but their dollars are stretched much further.

"We help folks throughout the year with emergency needs through our food pantry and other emergency services. We have an after school program for children at our building. We respond to all kinds of disasters," said Vandiver.

All those services are run on donations and volunteers like Michael Gunderson, who came in extra early for his 12 hour bell ringing shift.

"I was here at 7:40 and started ringing and people were already giving in, so it's really good," said Gunderson.

Volunteers brave the winter weather all Christmas season to make sure the bell keeps ringing, but Gunderson says the generosity of the community is enough to keep him warm.

"There's a lot of givers today and stuff and it makes me feel good because I know that little boy at Christmas time is going to have a nice meal and presents and stuff, so it makes me happy," said Gunderson.

Dozens of volunteers will be the ringing the bell at 28 different Siouxland locations. If you'd like to volunteer your time you can contact the Salvation Army.

The Red Kettle Drive runs until Christmas Eve.