As the holiday season nears the Salvation Army Bell Ringers will be collecting donations for families making it through the tougher winter months. This initiative of collecting donations from Taylorville's Walmart and Kroger is presented by the Red Kettle Campaign. The donations will go to the Ministerial Association funds for programs like emergency assistance and CEFS.

Behind the coordination efforts is Jessica Franks. Franks provides a bit of history about the Red Kettle Campaign.

Franks describes the areas where money will be allocated. In the past, the bell ringers have collected money for the important Taylorville Food Pantry, Franks says the food pantry is no longer in need of the aid as many local grocery stores have stepped up, supplying food. Now, more areas with people in need are able to be served.

Volunteering for the Red Kettle Campaign is easy and needed. Franks says that local organizations have signed up in the past, along with families that make the day an event for themselves. Franks says your local ministry can direct you to the proper channels to volunteer.

To help bring the holiday spirit to all local families, the Red Kettle Campaign is prepared for yet another year of necessary donations.

To contact Jessica Franks call, 217-561-3808. Franks says people looking to volunteer can contact the Taylorville Food Pantry or CEFS.

Taylorville’s Walmart is located at 1530 West Springfield Road, and Kroger is located at 201 East Bidwell Street.

Jessica Franks appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.