The St. Joseph Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign will kick-off tonight to raise funds for the agency’s efforts in the community.

The Kettle Campaign will officially kick-off at 5:30 p.m. at the East Hills Shopping Center at the children’s play area near Dillard’s and Sears stores.

The Salvation Army will kick off the event with its traditional brass band playing Christmas songs, a teen chorus performing, followed by a Mayoral Proclamation presentation in recognition of the army’s 130 years of service to the Saint Joseph area.

The Christmas total for 2016 will be announced at the kick-off.  A new feature to Red Kettle sites this year is the ability to make donations at “Change to 41444”. Donors may text donations in denominations of $15, $25, $50 or select Other. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program also kicks offs.

The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s largest fund drive of the entire year. In Saint Joseph, funds help to operate the army’s services throughout the year; including the Booth Center for Homeless, the Family Store and the corps community center. Last year, The Salvation Army provided 30 million people with assistance across America, roughly one person per second of every day. Each night 27,000 nights of shelter are delivered, with many sheltered right here in Buchanan County. Eighty-three percent of dollars donated go to direct client services.

Anyone who wants to help ring in the Christmas season by volunteering to be a Salvation Army bell ringer can call LeeAnn at 816.232.5824 to reserve a time and location.