FRANKENMUTH (WJRT) -
(11/08/12) - We're just easing into November, but the Salvation Army, along with Bronner's in Frankenmuth, is kicking off the holiday spirit of giving a little early with a familiar sound - red kettle bell-ringers.
Those bells and kettles will help collect money for people in need.
"The need in Mid-Michigan has increased dramatically and at the same time, funding streams coming from government and other organizations has been cut dramatically," said Major Jon Augenstein of the Genesee County Salvation Army.
Donations will help feed the needy, and keep peoples' heat on this winter.
Bronner's made the first big donation of the year of $1,500.
"It's more crucial than it's ever been, the margins we have and the people in need just continue to grow," Augenstein said. "We have to try to do more with less, this is the opportunity for the community to support all their neighbors who are in need."
So many people need help, the Salvation Army of Mid-Michigan's goal is $1.9 million.
That's what keeps bell-ringers like the Sanders family motivated to stand out in the cold every year.
"We have a lot of fun out there, last year we were out at the Genesee Valley mall, we made new friends, everybody loved us out there," said Mary Sanders, who was at the ceremony with her sons.
Red kettles will be in front of stores and malls through Christmas.
