Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Pam and William Hummel, representing the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR), ring the bell Monday at the Warren Shurfine Salvation Army Red Kettle location.

Halloween is in the mirror and Christmas isn’t far off.

That means the Salvation Army’s Kettle season is under way.

On Monday, the first kettle of the season was posted at Warren Shurfine with representatives of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees ringing the bells.

“We officially start Kettles today at Shurfine,” Major Keith Jache said. “We have Tops (in Warren) next Monday.”

Walmart will host a kettle starting Saturday, Nov. 20.

There are only a few locations locked in so far, but other locations may be added along the way. The campaign ends on Dec. 24.

Majors Keith and Katie Jache said the Salvation Army is counting on the generosity of the community.

The goal for the program is $90,000, between the kettles and Kettle Kickoff, but more would be welcome.

“The goal is to make more so we can provide more,” he said. “We always need to make more. This is just to do what we were doing last year.”

Donations help in a number of ways through the Christmas season. “It will help with our soup kitchen,” he said.

The soup kitchen is operating five days per week serving about 80 people a day. That is a dramatic increase. “A year ago, our soup kitchen was only doing 35,” Jache said.

Funds from the Kettle Campaign can help with other situations, paying for rent, utilities, and emergency food, he said.

COVID-19 brought some challenges for the campaign.

More people needed more, fewer people were out and about, and fewer people are carrying cash.

“Things have changed,” Jache said. “It’s been hard. Because of COVID, people are not carrying cash with them anymore.”

Some people have avoided approaching the kettles and the people around them.

But, the Salvation Army has adapted.

Those ringing the bells wear masks if required by the hosting organization.

“We follow whatever their guidelines are,” Jache said. A hand sanitizer dispenser is on hand at every kettle.

And, those who would like to donate can do so without contact. “On all our signs, you have the ability to do it with your phone,” Jache said.

There is a QR code on the signs with a number of payment options.

COVID has also inspired a new program.

“We’re feeling that impact,” he said. “That’s one reason why we’re doing the Red Kettle Kickoff Auction, to make extra funds if we don’t do as well at the kettles.”

The online auction will run from Nov. 6 to 13 at salvationarmywpa.org/warren.

A basket raffle will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at 311 Beech St., Warren.

“Our goal this year is to make at least $15,000 with the Red Kettle Kickoff Auction,” Jache said. The more people give, “the more we can help.”