Red Kettle season is almost here as the Salvation Army of Pope and Douglas Counties gets ready to launch one of their biggest fundraisers.

The Salvation Army will be hosting a “Kettle Kickoff” on Friday, Nov. 17 at Tom’s Market in Glenwood from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event kicks off the Red Kettle Campaign in this area.   Donna Ortendahl, Salvation Army Central MN Field Representative, said last week that the holiday season is a crucial time of the year for the organization with much of their fundraising coming in the next six weeks, and the money raised helps people right here in Pope County. 

The Kettle Kickoff will feature the first bell ringers of the season with local law enforcement officers from Glenwood and Pope County will be among the first to be ringing the bell for the campaign.  Other local officials will also be ringing for the cause, including Glenwood Mayor Sherri Kazda.  Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will also be served at the Kettle Kickoff event.  The Glenwood Fire Department will be providing a fire truck at the event on Friday.

Ortendahl said donations in the Red Kettle stay local – directly impacting the lives of area residents by helping them in their time of need. 

“Most people know The Salvation Army for our Red Kettles, our Angel Trees, and our strong presence during the holiday season, but we support local families all throughout the year,” she added.

The donations collected during the holiday season not only help provide gifts to children who would otherwise go without, but they also help provide food, shelter, and utility assistance to those who need it most every day of the year.

To volunteer to be a local bell ringer during the holidays, sign up at the kickoff event or visit the website: registertoring.com.