Overnight, Salvation Army volunteer bell ringers who are ringing for a world record, faced a plethora of conditions that have challenged their endurance –  fatigue, hunger, cold weather and quiet streets. Some were lucky enough to meet new friends and supporters to cheer them on through morning, while others were forced to throw in the towel.

Daniel Perry in Pittsburg, KS ringing that bell.

As we close in on the 24 hour mark (12pm ET), 17 bell ringers continue to “ring it on” to support The Salvation Army’s 120^th Red Kettle Campaign and raise donations to help Americans in need. Their support in these winter months are truly appreciated, as well as the support of every Salvation Army bell ringer who has manned a red kettle throughout 2011.

Captain David Davis in Longview, WA.

If the participants can hold on, by 12am (ET) tonight, a new record will be set, surpassing the 36 hour benchmark set last year.

Participants that remain in the contest include:

• Ryan Althaus; Louisville, KY
• Captain Quentin Boyle; Peru, IL
• Captain David M. Davis; Longview, WA
• Ken Fankhauser; Anchorage, AK
• Lieutenant Matthew Jensen; Santa Maria, CA
• Alan Jermyn; Gulfport, MS
• Lieutenant Sean Kelsey; Palm Desert, CA
• Matt Linville; Mount Air, NC
• Leilan McNally; Indianapolis, IN
• Captain Kenneth Perine; San Diego, CA
• Jason Perkins; Suisun City, CA
• Daniel Perry; Pittsburg, KS
• Saundra Shearon; Cleburne, TX
• Captain Marcelino Soriano; San Francisco, CA
• Tiga Stevenson; St Cloud, MN
• Caleb Stokes; Indianapolis, IN
• Darrell Tureskis; Springfield, IL

If you’d like to support this year’s Red Kettle Campaign and the bell ringers, text the word “Give” to 80888 to make a $10 donation. If you’d like to follow the bell ringers’ status on Twitter, follow @SalvationArmyUS and #RingItOn.