Donations placed in Red Kettles fund services of The Salvation Army throughout the year. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON COUNTY – Usually associated only with Christmas, the Red Kettles of The Salvation Army help to fund programs year-round. The Red Kettle campaign represents the organization’s major, annual fundraiser.

“The generosity of Huntsville and the surrounding area is shining through this Christmas season as you have donated $110,000 (as of Dec. 18) to The Salvation Army through our Red Kettles,” Maj. Donald Wilson, corps officer, said. “This amount represents 55 percent of our goal this year.”

Donations for 2015 are slightly behind this same time in 2014.

“Your donations mean the world to those who need the services of The Salvation Army,” Wilson said. “Through your kettle donations, we provide meals, shelter and assistance to the neediest in this community.”

Depending on Red Kettles donations, The Salvation Army can serve the community throughout 2016. “Our goal is set to meet the greatest need for the upcoming year,” Wilson said.

“Your donations not only mean we can feed and shelter more who need those services but will also provide a number of needed emergency services during the winter months,” Wilson said.

An easy online donation method is now available. Individuals with a SmartPhone can text the word “Huntsville” to 71777 or donate at salvationarmyalm.org/huntsville. Residents also you can place a donation in any of red kettles available around Madison County.

The Red Kettle campaign will continue until Dec. 24.

Established in 1865 in London, The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. The organization has supported people in need without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States.

Almost 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The organization provides food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.

From each dollar that The Salvation Army spends, 82 cents supports those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.

For more information, call 256-536-5576, ext. 14; email Donald.Wilson@uss.salvationarmy.org or visit salvationarmyalm.org/huntsville.