The Salvation Army kicked off its 2016 Red Kettle Campaign with a ceremony Saturday at Jefferson City's Capital Mall, and this year's goal is to collect $270,000 in six and a half weeks.
Last year, the goal was $262,000, which they surpassed with a collection totalling $282,000.
"It's not just to help with what we do at Christmas time, but this money helps us throughout the year," said Lt. Chris White, the Jefferson City Salvation Army Corps officer.
The Salvation Army served more than 40,000 meals last year, had more than 13,000 people sleep in its homeless shelter on Jefferson Street and helped 8,400 people through its food pantry.
Cole County Sheriff Greg White and his wife, Evie, are the 2016 Red Kettle Campaign co-chairs.
"During my career when I have worked with the Salvation Army, I have seen how they are able to change lives around," the sheriff said. "All the money collected will stay here to help those in the Jefferson City area."
Saturday's event included special recognition of the Lion's Club annual bell ringing day, which is usually the highest grossing day of the whole Red Kettle Campaign; last year it raised $15,617.
A member of the Salvation Army advisory board as well as a Lions Club member, Wayne Osgoode was presented with the "Others" award Saturday, given for his instrumental role in the Lions bell ringing day.
"The whole kettle campaign revolves around putting others before yourself. As this award shows, no one has demonstrated this more than Lion Wayne Osgoode," White said.
"It brings me to tears," Osgoode said. "I don't think I deserve this. The army works so hard to do so much for our community."
On Dec. 16, Lions Club members throughout the area will man the 19 bell ringing locations to save the army money so it doesn't have to hire bell ringers for that day.
Nonetheless, the army is looking for bell ringers for the rest of the season, and those who want to do so may sign up at registoring.com.
Donations are also accepted at redkettlerason.org.
Salvation Army in 'dire need' of food pantry volunteers
The Salvation Army Food Pantry is in what army officials called "dire need of help."
Jefferson City Corps Officer Lt. Rachel White said they are getting the food and other items they need from their warehouse. What they need is volunteers.
"We need volunteers who should be able to lift not too heavy boxes and help stock shelves," she said. "Without the volunteers to unload and stock the shelves, we can't get the items to the people who need it."
White said they are hopeful some church groups will also help out.
The pantry is open 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
To help, call 573-635-1975.