HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Holyoke branch of The Salvation Army kicked off its red kettle campaign on Friday at the Holyoke Mall.

A special bell ringing marked the start of the giving season at 11 a.m. on the second floor of the mall by AT&T.

The Holyoke branch of The Salvation Army also serves the communities of Granby, Chicopee, and South Hadley and, in wake of the government shutdown, the need to help these cities is greater than ever. Salvation Army Lt. Cesar Esquivel explained their role in helping people during this difficult time. “We can’t do it without the support of organization that help us like PeoplesBank gave us the alleviation fund to bring and fill up our shelves, so we can provide that alleviation for those people that are in need, even in this short time. A lot of chaos, you know, could happen,” he said.

The Holyoke High School madrigal choir joined in on the festivities and sang a selection of Christmas carols and Esquivel said there presence also helped them raise awareness. “Having the high school choir here has benefitted us by making more noise, by attracting people to our cause, to what we’re doing. You know, noise brings people together,” he noted.

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