The fourth annual Armed Forces Challenge Salvation Army bell ringing fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at various locations in the area. The Armed Forces Challenge allows representatives of all five military branches to ring bells at Salvation Army posts throughout the Stevens Point area.

The challenge winner is the branch that collects the most donations at its bell ringing location. Branch-specific bell-ringing locations have been established throughout Stevens Point, and volunteers are encouraged to sign up for two-hour shifts to support the Armed Forces branch of their choice.

Last year’s challenge was won by the Marine Corps volunteers, represented by the local Marine Corps League Detachment.

The Armed Forces Challenge is organized by local resident Christopher Meyer, a prior service Army member and current Coast Guard Reserve lieutenant assigned to Sector Sault Sainte Marie located in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich. He has served as a Salvation Army volunteer and board member for many years and said the experience is extremely rewarding.

“I’m looking forward to another good natured, but heated competition. The Armed Forces Challenge will give visibility to veterans, service members and their supporters while benefitting a great cause,” Meyer said. “We encourage any community members to support the Salvation Army bell ringing campaign and represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. All community members are welcome to volunteer to represent the military branch of their choice.”

For more information or to sign up, email Meyer at [email protected] or call 715-347-7482.