The Sarnia Salvation Army is hoping to raise $165,000 again this year as the annual Red Kettle campaign kicks off on Thursday, November 14 at 12 p.m.
"We'll be running, for the month of November, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at various locations," said Capt. Brad Webster. "Then starting December 1, we'll be running from Monday to Saturday at all locations full time."
Some locations in Sarnia include The Real Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart Supercentre, Lambton Mall, and Metro Northgate.
Kettles are scheduled to be out from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., as long as there are enough volunteers to fill shifts.
Webster said they received many calls in October of people looking to help during this year's campaign.
"We're looking good for volunteers but we could always use more," he said.
Those willing to volunteer can contact Kettle Coordinator Brenda Dunn at 548-997-0750 or sasarniakettles@gmail.com.
"I find it a rewarding experience to see how generous our community is -- and we do have a generous community, so I'm very confident we'll meet our goal," Dunn said.
This year's fundraising goal is the same as last year's.
"We weren't sure we were going to meet the goal but actually, up until the last day's count, we raised in total $166,376. So we just surpassed it," Dunn said.
Money raised through the kettle campaign will support programs and services provided by the local Salvation Army, including rental and utility assistance, and the food bank.
Webster said kettles will again include a tap option for people to make an electronic donation of $5, $10, or $20.