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Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle Campaign, adds more locations in Hamilton Co.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Salvation Army kicked off their Red Kettle Campaign for the 2016 holiday season.

On Friday you will start to see bell ringers and donation kettles outside stores all throughout central Indiana. You’ll also notice additional donation sites in Hamilton County. The organization is working to expand their presence in that area.

“It’s awesome. What a better way to help someone than take some spare change in your pocket and throw it in the kettle. It goes really far, it is great,” said Michael Woods of Indianapolis.

“It is just a great opportunity for everyone in the community to get involved in some way,” said Major Beth Petrie with the Salvation Army.

She hopes people get involved either by volunteering to ring the bells or by dropping a donation in the red kettles.

The Salvation Army is counting on the community to help them reach a $3.5 million dollar goal.

“The funds that are raised during Christmas season help us to operate and function through the entire year,” said Major Petrie.

In 2015 the Salvation Army came up shy of that goal, raising $3.25 million dollars.

Some people we in downtown Indianapolis say they hope the organization hits that goal.

“I think no matter what happens in our economy, no matter how tough times are people always have some compassion in their heart. Donations may be down a little, but people are going to give,” said Woods.

If you want to sign up to volunteer and ring bells for the Salvation Army you can learn more here.