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The bells of Christmas are ringing

Salvation Army’s red kettles launch annual holiday blitz for charity

By Mark Price
mprice@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/11/16/13/41/L8IoD.Em.138.jpeg|450
    Diedra Laird - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com
    Lt. Ann Hawk, Major Linda Sloan and Salvation Army mascot Sally Ann ring bells at an event at the Square Friday at noon marking the kick off of the annual Salvation Army bell ringers campaign fund drive. The organization needs volunteers to ring the bells for the holidays. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/11/16/13/41/1bCJiT.Em.138.jpeg|264
    Diedra Laird - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com
    Salvation Army mascot Sally Ann and Captain Amber Phelps ring bells at an event at the Square Friday at noon marking the kick off of the annual Salvation Army bell ringers campaign fund drive. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte kicked off its annual red kettle campaign Friday, in hopes of raising a record $435,000 for its programs, including the Christmas Bureau. That’s $10,000 more than last year.

Kettle proceeds fund the agency’s shelter, mentor at-risk kids and provide Christmas gifts to local children and senior citizens.

Bell ringers will be stationed outside 75 retail and grocery stores in the region through Dec. 24 and any amount of change is welcomed.

The Salvation Army is also seeking dozens of volunteers to man the kettles, so it will not have to pay bell ringers. Volunteers, including entire families, are encouraged to sign up for half-day shifts or an entire day at www.registertoring.org or www.registertoring.com.

Salvation Army officials note the program is one those rare instances where anyone can give any amount and be confident it will make a difference to local families.

“A little change from someone’s pocket helps homeless mothers and their children move from hope to home,” said Major Bobby Lancaster, area commander of The Salvation Army. “It will open the door to the future for at-risk youth, or provide affordable housing for low-income senior citizens. With so many of our neighbors hurting and in need right now...every dollar counts.”

Coming Sunday, Nov. 25: The Charlotte Observer's annual giving guide. For more than 26 years, the Observer has been working with charities in our region to determine their needs and then publishing those during the holiday season. The updated 2012 Giving Guide will include the needs of hundreds of organizations throughout the region.

Agencies: Click here to enter information for the Observer's 2012 Giving Guide.


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