The most important fund-raising campaign of the year begins Friday for the Salvation Army. The annual Red Kettle campaign will begin at 60 locations around the Quad Cities.
Spokesman Bill Horrell says the campaign also has a new name - instead of Red Kettle, it's now called The Make a Difference Campaign.
"This supports the activities and the services and programs that we provide to people in need, whether it be help for find shelter, food programs, youth programs, and sending kids to summer camp who couldn't otherwise go to camp. The money is used throughout the year, not just at Christmas time."
Money dropped in the red kettles makes up about 60 per cent of the Salvation Army's budget each year.
Volunteers can sign up to ring the bell by calling the Salvation Army or going online to ringbells.org.
Horrell says new this year will be QR codes on each kettle. People can use their smartphone to "read" the code, and then make a donation online.
