Bells are ringing for the Salvation Army

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign is one rich in tradition.

It dates back to 1891 in San Francisco.  Captain Joseph McFee made a promise to feed the hungry a hearty Christmas meal.

Problem was, he didn't have enough money.  He remembered a donation "pot" he once saw in Liverpool and the red kettles were born.

The kettle campaign slowly made it's way across the country, finally making it to New York in 1901.

Today, stores across the country and right here in the Miami Valley use volunteers to ring their bells, seeking donations for the Salvation Army.

Whether you love the ringing of the bells or not, the campaign is now underway.

The local campaign was kicked off Wednesday at the Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Dayton.

It hopes to reach a million dollars in donations, helping more than 5,000 families in need.

The Red Kettle campaign is the Salvation Army's only donation drive throughout the year.