By Albert Lea Tribune

Local Salvation Army officials announced Friday they have kicked off their 2012 Christmas fundraising campaign in an effort to raise $215,000.

Small red kettles have been placed on the counters of dozens of retailers throughout Albert Lea, and starting next Saturday, volunteers will begin ringing the Salvation Army bells in an effort to collect donations.

The campaign lasts 45 days.

Bellringers are needed at Nelson’s Market Place, Hy-Vee, Shopko, Northbridge Mall, Walgreens and Walmart, according to a news release. Kettles are manned solely by volunteers.

“The success of our kettle campaign is dependent upon having greeters at our kettles,” said Salvation Army Capt. Jim Brickson in the release. “If we could keep the bells continually ringing at all the locations, all during the campaign, our goal is more than possible.”

The goal is the highest in the history of the organization.

Money raised goes to support local families in need of food, temporary shelter, rental and fuel assistance, and budget counseling to help families achieve economic independence, to name a few of the services.

The news release highlighted the Salvation Army’s efforts to provide more than 25,000 meals to residents in 2012 during a community meal held each weekday at the organization’s building on Court Street. The efforts were spearheaded by volunteers Ken Delano and Trudy Harig.

“Our Daily Bread isn’t just a meal site to fill your stomach, it’s a meal site to fill loneliness and maybe provide some purpose at the same time,” said Capt. Lee Brickson.

People who would like to volunteer can register online at http://dev.thesalarmy.org/community/albert-lea/ or call 373-5710.