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IRON MOUNTAIN -- This is what most people see and hear this time of year.

The donations through the Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign do more than just help put food on the table for those in need.

"Most of the food pantries are helping with items that people can't buy with food stamps," said Salvation Army Director Linda Bigelow.  "Things like cleaning products, diapers, personal hygiene items and those are necessities."

Overall, the Salvation Army helps more than 64,000 every year in the central and western U.P.  And the money raised through the Kettle Campaign helps keep services available...all year long.

"The need is constant.  We think about it more at Christmas--the time of giving--but truly, people have their utilities turned off year-round," Bigelow said.  "People have need for food year-round."

The Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army's largest fund-raiser every year and relies on volunteers to ring in hope.

Mark Miller has been volunteering his time to bell ringing for more than 10 years.  He said the community's generosity keeps bring him back.

"What amazes me is so many people coming through, who look like perhaps they could use some help, are the most generous," said Miller.  "We see people reaching for the last dollar bill they have."

And those with the Salvation Army hope the U.P. community is just as generous again this year.

The campaign will wrap up January 1.