Economy makes kettle need greater

The Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army will have its 2009 Kettle Kickoff from 9:30-10 a.m. Nov. 20 at Walmart in Baxter.

The Christmas bell-ringing goal of the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army is $103,000, a $4,000 increase over the amount raised from kettles last year. The increased need for donations comes from the increased number of people coming to the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army for seasonal assistance, food, clothing, rent/mortgage, utility assistance and other services.

Major Jeff Strickler said, "Hard economic times have made the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army more essential to the community than ever. We have seen the number of people served increase by over 9 percent this year compared to last year, which represents over 1,000 people. To meet our community's increased needs, we are encouraging everybody to give as much as they can. In these tough times, every penny counts."

The kettle season runs until Dec. 24, during which time volunteers will bell ring at eight convenient Brainerd and Baxter locations every weekday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Kettle donations account for approximately one-fifth of the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army's annual operating budget. These funds help serve more than 11,000 Brainerd lakes residents every year.

Many volunteer bell ringers are desperately needed. To register, contact the Salvation Army at 829-1120.

In addition to red kettles, donations to the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army can be mailed to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 385, Brainerd, MN 56401. Donations can be made online at www.salarmy.org.