Salvation Army kicks off Christmas campaign

The Salvation Army does important work all year long. It feeds the hungry, helps those less fortunate get back on their feet and provides positive programs for youth.

The organization receives more attention this time of year as the holiday season approaches -- and rightly so. This is the season of giving.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

• The annual Empty Bowls event will be from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Salvation Army. In addition to a bowl of soup, drinks and dessert, those who purchase a meal for $12 receive a handmade ceramic bowl. Proceeds benefit the Meals with Friends program. According to a letter from an organizer, more than $5,300 was raised last year in donations.
• The Salvation Army is seeking donations of side dishes, aluminum foil, salt and pepper, 8-ounce cups, silverware, paper products and napkins for the Thanksgiving lunch. They also are looking for volunteers to help work the dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 26.
• Soon you will see red kettles in front of retail stores. The Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff, called "Rock the Red Kettle," will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Centenary Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis St.in Cape Girardeau. Special guests include the Southeast Missouri State University Steel Drum Band, Kelly Hawks Drumline and soft rock groups. Free admission and refreshments will be provided.

You can sign up to be a bell ringer this Christmas season. Visit tsacapegirardeau.org or call (573) 335-7000 for more information.

Thank you to the Salvation Army for the good work it does to help those in need. We hope everyone will consider supporting the organization in the coming weeks.