The Carrollton Service Unit of the Salvation Army will kick off its annual “Red Kettle Campaign” Nov. 27.

Salvation Army volunteers, community members, Rotary members, Girl Scouts and members of Carrollton High School’s Caring, Helping and Sharing (CHS) Club will ring bells at various locations through Christmas.

Kettles will be located at Carrollton Ponderosa, Dollar General Market and Thorne’s Marketplace. A counter kettle will be inside Discount Drug Mart.

The Carrollton Service Unit of the Salvation Army uses monies collected during the campaign to directly benefit area residents. All monies collected in Carrollton are utilized in Carrollton.

Sue Henderson, treasurer of the Carrollton Service Unit, said kettle collections totaled $14,000 last year. These donations allowed the Salvation Army to assist 146 families with utilities, rent, medical emergencies, gas costs, food costs and emergency assistance such as loss from fire or power outage.

The “red kettle” (campaign) began in 1891 by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee in San Francisco, CA, and has become an integral part of the Christmas season. Along with Christmas dinners, donations provide clothing and toys for families in need. Financial assistance helps not only with seasonal aid but with basic necessities, also. A $5,000 Back-to-School Shoe Program is also sponsored by The Carrollton Service Unit of the Salvation Army.

Slots are still available to volunteer to ring the bell. Call Carrollton High School at 330-627-2134 to sign up.

Anyone wishing to mail a donation, can send a check made payable to Carrollton Salvation Army, Attn: Sue Henderson, PO Box 14, Carrollton, OH 44615.