CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- Twelve days before Christmas, the 16th annual Bell Ringing challenge returned. The competition is a friendly one between Corning City Republicans and Democrats to see who can raise the most money for the Salvation Army.

Each committee reserves a day. On Monday, the Democrats rang their bells from 1 to 7 p.m., encouraging the community to give generously to support the Salvation Army's local work.

"It's the Battle of the Bells, an annual tradition where the Corning City Democratic Committee and the Corning City Republican Committee compete to see who can raise the most money for Salvation Army while ringing the bell," says Corning Democratic Chair Margie Lawlor. "So we do it on two consecutive days and then we compare who raises the most for Salvation Army and we get bragging rights and hopefully it drives up how much we can get contributed to Salvation Army for them to help address the needs of our neighbors living in the crisis of poverty."

Even though this year's election is behind us, both sides say they are coming together to make a difference for the important cause. 

For those who could not make it on Monday, the Republican committee will be out in Centerway Square on Tuesday, December 17th also from 1 to 7 p.m. Donations to the Corning chapter can be made by clicking here.