The Salvation Army of Steele County will begin their kettle campaign Saturday, November 18 at Hy-Vee, Cash Wise and Fareway Foods in Owatonna. After Thanksgiving the campaign will expand to Walmart, Walgreens, Mills Fleet Farm and Cabella's and continue till December 23.

To volunteer as a bell ringer call (507)-413-6700. You may also go to the Bell Ringer Owatonna Facebook page to sign up. There was a shortage of bell ringers last year so your help is needed. Feel free to challenge another ringer. For example a Wisconsin Badger fan versus a Minnesota Gopher fan. We also have the Vikings and arch rival Green Bay Packers playing one more time this season as well.

Last year the campaign dropped off from $102,000 some dollars in 2015 to around $65,000 last year. This resulted in cutbacks this year in the backpack program from 1,000 to 600. There was also a cut in the Shop with Cop program from 27 children to 15.

The Salvation Army is also down on donations for the store as well. Simply come to the back door with your donation of clothing, furniture, knick knacks etc and ring the bell. Do not just drop your donation off at the door and leave.If per chance you come upon a kettle without a bell ringer, you're welcome to pick up the bell and ring it for a short period of time.

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