FRANKENMUTH -- Christmas bells have started ringing in Mid-Michigan.
The Salvation Army of Saginaw County kicked off its 2009 Red Kettle drive Monday at Bronners Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth.
The world's largest red kettle, weighing over 1,600 pounds was there to get the holiday season rolling and to encourage people to help the thousands of Mid-Michigan residents in need this holiday season.
The Salvation Army wants people to know no donation is too small. Major Wayne Ruston of the Salvation Army of Saginaw County says they make $100 a day in pennies alone in the few days leading up to Christmas. So, he asks people to consider giving from the smallest amount of change up to the largest amount of bills they are able to donate.
The Salvation Army of Saginaw County helps over 7,000 people each holiday season. This year they expect even more families to be in need.
If you would like to mail a donation to the Salvation Army, you can send money to 2030 N. Carolina St., P.O. Box 3204, Saginaw, MI, 48605.
Some businesses, like Bronner's, do not host bell ringers but invite guests to place donations to the Salvation Army in canisters located at checkout and exit areas.
The goal for this year's red kettle drive in Saginaw County is $262,000.
