It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas-- that's thanks to the Salvation Army's iconic jingling bells and red kettles that come with the holiday season.
Traditional Salvation Army brass music, carols, and hot chocolate accompanied the York Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign kickoff on Friday at Continental Square in York. Public officials recognized the organization's annual efforts by inaugurating this year's campaign.
The York Salvation Army has served the community since 1889. Bell ringers and kettles will be present at over 20 locations throughout York County to collect donations from shoppers. Proceeds will help those in need during Christmas and throughout the entire year.
"York is known for its generosity and other Salvation Armies look to York and say 'wow, that community really does support what Salvation Army stand for, what the Salvation Army has been doing for years.' "
Holiday donations make up 31% of the organization's operating budget. Their goal is to raise $235,000 through the kettles.
The Angel Tree Program of The Salvation Army is also underway. The program provides new toys for children ages one to ten. Shoppers can choose an “Angel” from one of the trees at various mall and retail locations and buy a toy for a child who has been pre-registered with The Salvation Army. Last year 2,217 children received 6,651 toys through this effort.