The Salvation Army will ring in a new Red Kettle Season with an event in downtown Rochester tonight.
The event, which starts at 6 p.m. in the Peace Plaza, will feature vocal performances by Seeds of Wisdom Christian Academy and Goodman Productions. There will be free hot beverages dispensed from the Salvation Army's disaster canteen, courtesy of the Canadian Honker.
Some of the nearly 30 red kettles that will be set up throughout Olmsted County starting Friday will also be on hand. The first 200 people to donate to a kettle during the event will receive a coupon for a free slice of pizza and a pop from Zpizza, located in the Shops at University Square.
Last year's Red Kettle campaign raised more than $300,000 and involved more than 6,100 volunteer hours. This year, the goal is to raise $330,000 with at least 7,000 volunteer hours.
The kettle funds are part of the Salvation Army's overall Christmas Campaign goal of $800,000. The Christmas Campaign raises about half of the total donations that the Salvation Army receives each year.
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The Salvation Army funds more than a dozen programs with donations.
