HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign will kick-off at the Holyoke Mall on Friday with a special bell ringing to mark that start of the giving season.

It will start at 11 a.m. on the second floor of the mall near AT&T. The Holyoke High School madrigal choir will be there to sing Christmas carols and bring some holiday joy to the occasion.

The Salvation Army of Holyoke serves Chicopee, South Hadley, and Granby and, with the rising cost of living, the need for donations is greater than ever. Western Mass News spoke to the neighboring Springfield branch of the Salvation Army recently, who explained just how far these donations go. “It is a fundraiser that raises critical dollars, not only to support the Christmas programs that happen throughout Springfield and, of course, the state of Massachusetts, providing food and clothing, but it also supports the programs that we serve throughout the year, including emergency assistance, clothing, food, paying utility bills, and all of those other things that we do,” said Salvation Army Capt. Stacey McNeil.

While Hoyloke’s campaign gets underway on Friday, you can help donate in Springfield starting Friday, November 28.

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