By Christina Killion Valdez
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 

Bells will be ringing starting Friday as the Salvation Army kicks off its annual Red Kettle fundraising drive.

The goal of the Red Kettle bell ringers is to raise $250,000 for the Salvation Army of Rochester as part of its larger Christmas Campaign in which $675,000 is needed to fund more than a dozen Salvation Army programs benefiting needy residents in Olmsted County.

Last year, 4,500 one-hour bell ringing slots were filled by hundreds of local supporters. This year, more than 5,000 slots are open for individuals, families, schools, churches, service clubs and area businesses. To schedule a bell ringing shift, contact Kenn at kenn_roehl@usc.salvationarmy.org, 288-3663, ext. 114, or go online at www.RegisterToRing.com.

There will be 28 total kettles in Olmsted County, including 25 in Rochester and one each in Byron, Chatfield and Stewartville.

Volunteers can also go virtual this year by hosting an online Red Kettle at www.thesalarmy.com/rochester.

Red Kettle fund drive

When: Friday through Christmas Eve.

• Opening Kettle -- The first bells of the season will be rung at 9:45 a.m. Friday at Hy-Vee North by Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President John Wade, Maj. James Frye and representatives from KinderCare Learning Center.

• Restaurant Ring-off -- Last year, Famous Dave's BBQ raised the most money in the opening weekend competition among local restaurants. The following restaurants will have Red Kettles at their sites Friday and Saturday this year:

• Canadian Honker, 1203 Second St. S.W.

• CiCi's Pizza, 1221 28th St. S.E.

• Famous Dave's BBQ, 431 16th Ave. N.W.

• Perkin's Family Restaurant (North), 432 16th Ave. N.W.

• Perkin's Family Restaurant (South), 1818 S. Broadway

• Red Lobster, 195 S. Broadway

• Timber Lodge Steakhouse, 4148 Highway 52 North

• Victoria's Ristorante & Wine Bar, 7 First Ave. S.W.

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