Red-kettle competition underway today

Communities across the Flathead Valley will be helping out the Salvation Army’s red-kettle fundraising campaign today by ringing bells for the annual bell-ringing competition.

Volunteers will begin ringing bells at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 5:30 p.m. in Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Bigfork and Evergreen. Evergreen took home the trophy last year, narrowly beating defending champs Columbia Falls by $40, and is seeking to retain its title, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce Director Connie McCubbins said. Evergreen bell ringers will be at Super 1 Foods in Evergreen.

Columbia Falls ringers will be at Smith’s grocery; Whitefish is set up at Safeway and Super 1 Foods, and Lakeside bell ringers will be stationed at Tamarack Brewing Co. Bigfork will be stationed at Harvest Foods.

Communities raised more than $12,800 for the local Salvation Army in last year’s city bell ringing competition.

There are 32 kettle sites located throughout the valley, including the Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 1500 U.S. 93 S. Folks are encouraged to donate to the Salvation Army by dropping some money in the red kettles. The money raised through the competition will be used locally to help meet the basic needs of those experiencing difficulties this holiday season.

The Salvation Army shares provides new toys and clothing for children, and food for Christmas dinner. Your generosity also provides for local services, including breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, laundry and shower services, youth camp scholarships, and other outreach throughout the year.

In 2016, the Salvation Army provided nearly 28,000 hot meals, hot showers, laundry facilities, clothing, household items, school supplies and sponsored 86 children’s trips to summer camp. The organization also ensured 1,246 children had gifts on Christmas morning.

Call 257-4357 for more information.