The late Brock Tumbleson as Santa Claus and Kewanee Salvation Army Director Eddie Toliver ham it up for the camera during last year’s Santa vs. the Grinch kettle-off at the Walmart store. [Provided photo]

Bell ringers and red kettles will be cropping up at locations around town on Saturday, Nov. 16. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign will raise funds for services that will help thousands of people in Kewanee and Henry County.

“The Salvation Army of Kewanee helps put food on the table, keep a roof over heads and spread some much-needed holiday cheer, thanks to the generosity of Henry County residents,” said Director Eddie Toliver.

With requests for assistance increasing, the Salvation Army of Kewanee estimates that it will need to raise $48,000 to keep up with demand for its life-changing programs and services, Toliver said.

There are numerous ways that people can support the effort this holiday season including donating to any Red Kettle with cash, coins, checks or digitally through Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Up first at Walmart on Saturday will be the Bears versus the Packers theme. Kettles with labels will allow football fans to vote for their favorite team with their donations.

On Nov. 30, the Santa vs. Grinch theme returns to the Walmart doors. On Dec. 14, the Kiwanis Club of Kewanee will take their turn ringing and the Rotary Club will be out on Dec. 21.

Toliver said that individuals, organizations and groups are starting to come on board, but more volunteers are needed.

“We’d like to see different groups throughout the community ring the bells because they bring a lot of excitement to it,” he said. Larger groups can also split up their time so they don’t have to be out for such long stretches.

Toliver said the organization has listened to past volunteers who felt two hours was a long time to stand out in often cold and damp weather. The shifts have been reduced to one hour, he said.

In addition to helping through kettle donations, people can provide Christmas gifts for area children for the Angel Tree Program which begins soon. Find Angel Tree tags at the Kewanee Walmart store.

People can also sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 a month at give.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Or give any amount on the team fundraising page for The Salvation Army here.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, A Christmas concert will be held at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. The concert will honor the memory of Brock Tumbleson, with proceeds benefiting the Salvation Army.

To volunteer for a bell ringing spot, contact Toliver at 309-853-4192 or by email at eddie.toliver@usc.salvationarmy.org.