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Salvation Army bell ringers came out for the first time Friday. ‘I’ve been doing it quite a few years. I get to meet people and give something back,’ Daniel Edward said Friday at his post in front of Wal-Mart on the North Belt Highway.

Danny Edwards stood in the cold for eight hours on Friday to honor a debt.

After an accident blinded him, Mr. Edwards, 64, said the Salvation Army helped with utilities and food, and it bought Christmas gifts for his kids.

“I’m just returning the favor,” Mr. Edwards said.

He did so outside the Wal-Mart on the North Belt Highway, ringing a bell with one hand and clutching the red kettle’s chain with the other so he could react with kindness when he felt a donation made.

On the first day of bell ringing Friday, the Salvation Army announced a lofty goal: It hopes to “ring in” $115,000 this holiday season after missing its target by $6,000 last year.

Despite the slumped economy, the nonprofit’s confidence is invigorated by the community’s track record and the United Way going slightly over its $3.55 million campaign goal earlier this week.

“We’re a small enough community that people relate to their neighbor and they understand that they might be in line asking for help,” said Salvation Army Maj. Carol Lemirand.

Increasingly, social service agencies say more average-income residents are gulping their pride and showing up at the food pantry. Ms. Lemirand said utility and rental assistance are requested most, and if this is a harsh winter — as the “Farmer’s Almanac” predicts — the expenses could stretch the Salvation Army.

Beyond holiday support, the Salvation Army provides year-round shelter for homeless, youth activities such as a character-building program, and family development counseling.

Ms. Lemirand, not missing an opportunity to tie the kettle campaign to a successful political message, asked residents to be generous this holiday season: “Change is the big word this year.”

The Salvation Army is asking for volunteers to staff kettles around town. To volunteer, call 232-5824.

Ahmad Safi can be reached at ahmadsafi@npgco.com.