TYLER, Texas — The Salvation Army kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign Thursday morning in Tyler.
East Texans gathered at the Tyler Broadway Square Mall to celebrate the start of their iconic campaign this holiday season with the red kettle ringing of the bell and the angel tree.
Salvation Army Captain, Jeremy, Walker said their goal this year is huge but they are determined to raise the money.
"Our goal this year is $417,000, it is a huge goal but is only $3000 more than we collected last year," Walker said.
The money raised through this fundraiser will be used for programming, social services and to provide Christmas to local families experiencing financial hardship.
Walker said volunteers are always welcome to be bell ringers throughout the holiday season.
"We really need this community to get out and volunteer to ring a bell. If you don’t have time to volunteer come by and drop off some quarters some dimes, whatever you can drop off in the kennel and we’ll put it to good use.
The Salvation Army received a generous donation of $10,000 from BMW of Tyler to start the campaign.
The campaign will have 43 locations across Tyler and bells will stop to ring on December 23.
If you're interested in being a bell ringer this season, contact Angie Ruffin at 903-592-4361 or Ann.Ruffin@uss.salvationarmy.org.
For more information about the Salvation Army or the Red Kettle Campaign, visit the website here.