The season for giving is less than a week away.

The Salvation Army Kettles will kick off at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the Mower County Government Center. There are more than 100 volunteers signed up ready to earn the $50,000 overall goal Salvation Army staff have set this year for donations.

“We’re willing to take pretty much anybody that’s willing to help,” said Lt. Amy McMahon. “They just need to be willing to help, be energetic, and be friendly. The more you greet people, the better.”

McMahon said volunteer participation is on par with previous years; although, Austin High School’s new Scarlet Cord program is motivating more high schoolers to volunteer this year. Salvation Army staff are contacting local organizations like the Lions Club and the Kiwanis to get more volunteers, as they want to smash their fundraising goal. The SA earned about $40-$45,000 last year, though bell ringers and counter kettles, just shy of its $50,000 goal.

In addition, donations to the SA Food Shelf are picking up as well, which McMahon said usually happens around this time of year.

Though the SA Kettle Kickoff is a week away, prospective volunteers still have time to sign up. There’s an information session at noon today at the Salvation Army Worship and Service Center, but anyone with time to spare can volunteer whenever they see fit.

Kettles will start popping up at area businesses, but some kettles like the one at Walmart won’t appear until after Thanksgiving.

McMahon is hopeful people will donate to help needy families have happy holidays this year.

“This is the time of year when people remember us,” she said.

 

Salvation Army Kettles kick off

When: 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11
Where: Mower County Government Center