The all too familiar sound usually heard this time of year, sending shoppers a friendly reminder to open up their wallets and give back to the Salvation Army.
Sharon Dieken says, "I just feel that everybody should have a chance to enjoy the holidays so I always try to make a point to give, especially to the Salvation Army."
Program Director, for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Rachel Johnston adds that the donations allow their non-profit to grow.
One that's been in Mankato for only two years, is The REACH. A youth drop in center for youth who are homeless or at risk of being homeless it has served 300 young people.
The REACH is part of Lutheran Social Services, which has many lines of service in Mankato.
The Reach Program Coordinator, Rachel Johnston says, "We work with many programs and agencies and organizations, churches. By supporting us you're supporting many other people."
On a given week The REACH helps 15-20 youth. In Minnesota there are 2,500 unaccompanied homeless youth on any given night. In the state there are only 700 beds available in shelters.
Johnston says, "We have this room here and one storage space across town... something we would benefit from is another storage space so we can continue to grow and expand our services."
While some may give a lot to one organization, others chose to spread their generosity evenly.
Donna Mann says, "That way I know the organization I care about is going to get the donation."
