The Salvation Army of Brownwood will kick off its Red Kettle Campaign Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Walmart.

Those who would like to serve as bell ringers during the holiday season can register at that time. Registration will also take place at the Brownwood Public Library as well as online at www.registertoring.com.

Bell ringers in Brown County will be located at both Walmart entrances as well as at Brookeshire’s and United Supermarket. Hobby Lobby will also have bell ringers on Saturdays only.

The official kick off to the Red Kettle Campaign is Black Friday, Nov. 27.

In an interview on KOXE radio Wednesday morning, Stacy Tennison of the Salvation Army of Brownwood said due to COVID-19, bell-ringing will be different this year.

“There’s screen guards so you will be very safe,” Tennison said. “We’ll have gloves, facemasks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. We won’t be handing out suckers this year, which is sad, and we won’t be wearing aprons. We just want to keep everybody safe.”

With the financial hardships that have affected many due to COVID-19, the need to contribute is greater than most years, Tennison added.

“More than ever we need to raise money this year because our numbers have more than doubled because of COVID,” Tennison said. “With the second wave of it coming up, we feel like our numbers are going to continue to be on the rise.”

For more information about bell ringing, contact Tennison at 325-642-6342 or Sue Byrd at 642-1901.

Also, the Salvation Army’s winter drive is underway as well. Any winter-related items – coats, gloves, toboggans, etc. – can be dropped off at the Salvation Army location in Brownwood at 403 Lakeway Drive between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.