Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringing campaign kicks off

Soon it really will start feeling like Christmas—people can expect to hear the sounds of bells outside of local businesses as the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign kicks off.

The campaign was launched at a joint meeting of the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Hopkinsville Tuesday and heard from several members who have volunteered to ring a bell during the campaign in years prior.  Angie Strader says the money raised goes to a multitude of programs, services and aid that the Salvation Army provides for people across the country.

In a new feature, Salvation Army Captain Jose Marquez says this year, people will be able to use Google or Apple Pay at a bucket to make a donation, if they don’t have the traditional cash or change.

Alisa Barton gave an update on the local Salvation Army’s impact, saying they’ve served over 46,000 meals, provided groceries, clothes and more to thousands of people.

During the meeting, checks were presented to the Imagination Library, The Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center and Grace and Mercy for $571 each, from the money raised by United in Praise II.

Anyone interested in volunteering to be a bell ringer or in other ways, call the Hopkinsville Salvation Army at 270-885-9633. The ringers will be located at several different locations across the city and all donations, no matter the size, are always welcome.