The Salvation Army Pottsville Corps kettle drive kicked off Friday morning as the light ringing of bells could be heard at several locations throughout Schuylkill County.
"People are very generous this time of year," said Capt. Adam Hench, the group's corps officer. "Schuylkill County has always supported us very well and we anticipate that again this year."
The Salvation Army kettle campaign dates back to 1891 and is the organization's largest fundraiser of the year. The campaign assists more than 4.5 million people in the country during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, according to the organization's website at www.salvationarmy.com.
This year's goal is to raise $75,000 by Christmas Eve, Hench said.
"We know that Schuylkill County residents like to get involved and help each year," Hench said. "We are very confident that we can reach that goal."
With a goal of $75,000 last year, the kettle drive collected $82,811.62. In fact, the Salvation Army has surpassed its goal the last several years. In 2009, the goal was $68,000 and it received $70,000 in donations. In 2008, the goal was $65,000 and it received $66,500 in donations.
"This year, we will be helping close to 600 families with Christmas baskets filled with clothes, toys and food," Hech said.
The Salvation Army is still taking applications for the program, he said.
Hench said there are about 20 to 25 volunteers this year at 10 locations outside businesses throughout the county.
"We could always use more, even if folks like to do it for a day or only a few hours," Hench said.
To volunteer, call the Salvation Army office in Pottsville at 570-622-5252.
"Many of the folks that volunteer say that it's their chance to give back," Hench said. "Even if they can't do monetarily, it's just an opportunity for them to give back."
Volunteers with red kettles will be working from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Christmas Eve collecting donations at BG's Value Market, Minersville; Boscov's at Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville; Boyer's Food Markets in Orwigsburg, Frackville and Pottsville; Cressona Mall; Kmart at Schuylkill Mall, Frackville; Redner's Warehouse Markets in Schuylkill Haven and Shenandoah and Wal-Mart Supercenter, Saint Clair.
Christopher Abell, 26, of Pottsville, was ringing the bell Friday at the red kettle at the Schuylkill Mall. He said he has been volunteering with the Salvation Army for the past two or three years.
"I do it to help out the people in need and volunteer my time," Abell said. "That is one thing I like doing. I like helping out with the Salvation Army."
While the shopping season has yet to pick up for the holidays, Abell said people have been very courteous Friday and he expects more people closer to Christmas.