The Salvation Army’s 2019 Red Kettle Campaign will kick off at Family Fare on Eighth Street at 10am today (Friday), with Majors Jeff and Dawn Russell, Mayor Jim Carruthers, Salvation Army Board and team members, and coffee, cider and treats.

This is the 125thyear for the annual campaign, which runs Nov. 8-Dec. 24 locally and across the nation. Major Jeff Russell says 100 percent of donations stay local, providing food, clothing and comfort to those in need in Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie Counties. Community members can join the effort by donating or volunteering to bell ring. Each two hours of bell ringing raises an average $80-$100, providing 80-plus meals, keeping the lights or heat on for a family for a month, or providing three underprivileged children the opportunity to attend camp.

Those interested in registering to ring a bell and collect donations can go to RegistertoRing.com. Volunteers can select their favorite location, dates and times. They will also get text or email reminders.