MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the first time in 130 years, the Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early in order to -- as it describes -- "rescue Christmas."

Actual red kettles will be placed in the community during the second week of November, however the virtual red kettles are already live.

The Salvation Army is anticipating it will be helping more people this year due to the pandemic.

You can sign up to be a bell ringer at www.registertoring.com, or click here to volunteer for any of the Salvation Army's holiday programs (Coats for Kids, Toy Shop, and Christmas Family Feast).

Bell ringers will wear masks and gloves, wipe down kettles after each donation, and stand six feet away from the kettle.

You can also create your own red kettle fundraising page by clicking here.