Salvation Army kettle kickoff set for Friday

BAXTER - The Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army will host its 2008 Kettle Kickoff from 9:30-10 a.m. Friday at the Wal-Mart Superstore in Baxter.

The 2008 Christmas bell-ringing goal of the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army is $110,000, a $5,000 increase over last year. The increased need for donations is due to the increased number of people coming to the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army for seasonal assistance, food, clothing, rent/mortgage, utility assistance and other services.

"Hard economic times have made the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army more essential to the community than ever," said Maj. Jeff Strickler. "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.-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 residents every year.

Many volunteer bell ringers are still 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.