Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign begins Monday

BOARDMAN — The Mahoning County Salvation Army’s red kettles and bell ringers will be at area shopping centers beginning Monday through Christmas Eve.

The Salvation Army Mahoning County Area Services began its annual fundraising campaign with the Red Kettle Kick Off and Breakfast today, hosted for the third year in a row by Quaker Steak & Lube in Boardman.

Maj. Elijah Kahn, area coordinator for Mahoning County Area Services, said, “Our community partners recognize the increasing need in this community and are willing to step up to the challenge to ensure that no one is without a meal, a warm place to sleep, or Christmas joy.”

The goal for this year’s kettle campaign is $320,000, and Gary Meszaros, Quaker Steak & Lube founder and executive vice president and 2013 honorary campaign chairman, gave the fundraising effort a jump-start by donating $1,000.

The 2012 Red Kettle campaign exceeded its goal of $300,000 by raising $350,000.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com