Salvation Army to kick off kettle drive

By GWEN SISSON
sdnlife@bellsouth.net [2]

Mississippi State University Head Football Coach Dan Mullen will once again help the Oktibbeha County Salvation Army kick off their Christmas Red Kettle Campaign Friday morning.
The kick off event will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at the entrance to Kroger. The Christmas Red Kettle Campaign will run through Dec. 24, with a variety of community organizations participating.
The campaign will run between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, excluding Sundays. Two kettles will be stationed at Walmart and one will be stationed at the entrance at Kroger.
According to B.J. Andol, director of the Oktibbeha County Salvation Army, said in 2009, the Starkville Salvation Army had the most successful campaign in its history, receiving over $32,000 in donations. In 2008, the Starkville Salvation Army received over $31,000 in donations.
“Last year’s success was completely due to the volunteers” Andol said. “Their participation is greatly appreciated.”
Debra Austin, Oktibbeha County Salvation Army board member and volunteer, said they are excited to have Coach Mullen join for the Salvation Army kick off again this year.
Also as part of the kick off celebration, a blessing of the bells ceremony will be held.
For more information about the Christmas Red Kettle Campaign, contact Debra Austin at 615-0022 or 323-6218 or B.J. Andol at 324-3304 or by e-mail at Betty_Andol@USS.SalvationArmy.org [3].