JANESVILLE, Wis. -- Bells are ringing in Rock County as the Salvation Army of Janesville began its annual Red Kettle campaign this weekend.

Salvation Army officials increased this year's fundraising goal to $300,000 due to a growing need for resources in the area.

The Red Kettle campaign accounts for 40 percent of the organization's annual operating budget.

While Saturday was the official start for the campaign, some bell ringers got a head start Friday night.

"They were out for a practice run with the kettles, just to make sure everything was going to run smooth for Saturday, and it looks like they raised about $1,000 Friday. So that was exciting," said Capt. Carolyn Schuetz of the Janesville Salvation Army.

Volunteers are needed to ring bells now through Christmas Eve.

For information on donating or volunteering, go to the Salvation Army of Janesville's Web site.