The Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive is underway in Oak Harbor, with a few more restraints than in previous years.

Digger O’Dell, who annually organizes the holiday fundraiser, said bell ringers won’t be at the post office this year, due to a postal service decision to limit access to fundraisers.

But there are plenty of other places for the bell ringers to set up their kettles and shake their hand-bells— if it’s not too noisy. Safeway, for example, has asked that the bell ringers not ring bells this year because it bothers employees working nearby, according to O’Dell.

As a result, two high school students, Suzanne Meegan and Patrick Wilson, were standing outside Safeway Wednesday trying to gain people’s attention with a smile and “merry Christmas.”

“It feels weird,” Meegan said of the lack of a bell, which she enjoyed using last year.

“There’s nothing really to do.” But she was wearing a small bell on her necklace which she would jingle “if it’s requested,” by a passerby.

“I’m looking forward to Wal-Mart,” Meegan added, explaining bell ringers can still make all the noise they want at that location. Bells are also ringing at Kmart and other red kettle sites.

O’Dell hopes the local Kettle Drive will continue its history of attracting more dollars each year. “Over the years, generosity of residents from the north end of the island has increased annually,” he said. “Last year’s drive netted over $39,000. The goal of this year’s drive is to exceed this amount — with your caring and sharing this goal can be reached.”

The greatest share of the money collected remains in the immediate area to assist those in need. Help House, CADA, Pregnancy Aid, the battered women’s shelter, and other non-profit community organizations benefit from the donations dropped into the red kettles.

“As you approach a red kettle this year, give a kind word and a smile to the person manning the kettle,” O’Dell said.”These volunteers endure the cold to assure care might be provided to someone in need.”