SHELBY, NC--The Salvation Army of Shelby, which covers Cleveland and Rutherford counties, is kicking-off the annual Red Kettle Campaign this week - Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Cleveland County Chamber office, and Friday, Nov. 8, at the Forest City Owls office.

Both events begin at noon.

Festivities include opening the first kettle of the season, a Salvation Army brass band playing festive holiday favorites, and brief remarks about the Army's Christmas activities.

"The money raised in the Red Kettles creates a year of hope for families and individuals in need," said Sgt. Les Ashby, local corps officer for The Salvation Army. "Pocket-change opens doors for at-risk youth, provides food for empty tables, and helps families stay warm and safe in their homes. This season, every cent helps us turn the hope of those we serve into reality."

The 2019 Red Kettle campaign goal is $110,000. The Salvation Army relies on the money raised through the Red Kettle campaign to provide Christmas to local families in need and to safeguard the well-being of the community through year-round programming and social services. The Red Kettle campaign ends December 24 and kettles are in dozens of locations across the two counties.

About The Salvation Army

Since 1865, The Salvation Army has preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and worked to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. Today, The Salvation Army serves in every state in the United States and more than 130 countries throughout the world.

The Salvation Army first came to Shelby in the 1930s, then World War II intervened and the post closed. In 1964, greatly facilitated by banking executive Edgar Hamilton, the Army returned to Shelby with the dynamic personage of Capt. Mae Harris.

Together, Harris and Hamilton set up a post in Shelby, eventually finding space in a small two-story house on South Lafayette Street. The current site at 305 N. Lafayette St. was purchased in 1969.

Ministry eventually expanded to serve two counties, Cleveland and Rutherford, covering 166,000 residents, where The Salvation Army has worked to meet the needs of families and individuals in crisis.

For more information visit salvationarmycarolinas.org.