Over the past couple of decades Robert E. Schweitzer has seen the same volunteers go around town selling copies of the Watertown Daily Times for Old Newsboys Day, the Salvation Army's second-largest fundraiser.

He's been selling copies of the newspaper for the past 24 years, and said he and other volunteers his age will help the Watertown agency as long as they can, but recognize they'll eventually have to pass the torch.

"I'm 74 now, and I'm still working, but a lot of people who've done it awhile are getting up toward my age and older," Mr. Schweitzer said. "They're not feeling like they're able to do it, so we really need some young blood."

During this year's Old Newsboys Day on Dec. 5, his trek will take him along Factory Street, visiting various people and businesses, and continue along Huntington Street to Eastern Boulevard.

"They're usually very generous," Mr. Schweitzer said.

The goal for this year's Old Newsboys Day is to meet last year's fundraising amount of $30,000. Just as with the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, Capt. Evelyn M. Hopping said if $1 more could be raised this year than last, that would make her day.

"This is our second-largest fundraiser, and we depend on it greatly," she said. "If we have enough volunteers, we'll be able to meet the goal."

Capt. Hopping said people don't have to be out all day selling newspapers; donating a couple of hours of their time would be plenty.

"We need younger ones on board so we can keep this going," she said "We cherish the old ones, too. Younger groups are also encouraged. Anyone who can spare volunteers or whomever would like to do it as a service project are welcome."

David L. Bonney, volunteer coordinator for Old Newsboys Day, said he wishes he could correct the volunteer shortage for Old Newsboys Days, but he can't do that alone.

"Our volunteers are the real key to this," he said. "It's not rocket science to figure out. The more people you have on the street with a bundle of papers in their hands soliciting for the Salvation Army, the more likely you are to sell the paper."

Volunteers can work anytime after 7:30 a.m. Although most of the money is collected between 4 and 5 p.m., if volunteers wish to stay out later to try to get people after work, they are welcome to drop money off at the Salvation Army on Dec. 8. For details, call the Salvation Army at 782-4470.