HUDSON, WI (WTAQ) - There are bell ringers – and then there are hardcore bell ringers like Derek Gilbert and Jeremy Lilyquist.

They’re manning the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles for a 30 hour marathon outside the County Market grocery store in Hudson. They started at 3 p.m. Tuesday, and they plan to keep going until 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Last year, the pair raised $37,000 – and they hope to get at least that much this time.

Linda Lewis is also joining the effort with a 30 hour stint at the Walmart in nearby New Richmond. The wind chill factor was 11 degrees in New Richmond at 7 a.m. Wednesday – but Lilyquist says it warms his heart to see people giving to help others.

Helen McCombie ran a similar Red Kettle marathon for several years – and Gilbert and Lilyquist decided to carry on tradition.

Salvation Army officials say they’re extremely grateful. The funds provide emergency help for those in need – including utility payments, transportation, and medicines.