The Salvation Army Red Kettle Natchez campaign raised a record- breaking $2,478.87 on Nov. 17, the most successful opening day in 80 years, said Lt. Bobby Westmoreland.

Bell-ringers are out in force across the Miss-Lou this holiday season, greeting shoppers and collecting donations at the doors of local businesses. Army volunteers will work eight hours a day, six days a week until Dec. 23, Westmoreland said.

Westmoreland commented on the record-breaking first day, &uot;That’s good news. With the increase in need this year we have to have more good days like it in order to serve those who come to us for help.&uot;

Last year the campaign raised $52,000, and they have hopes of topping that this year with a goal of $55,000. The Red Kettle program funds the Salvation Army 365 days a year. The United Way and individual donations are the two main sources of income for the Salvation Army.

&uot;We do not receive large federal grants nor allowances from our divisional office,&uot; Westmoreland said, &uot;and for that reason, I feel that the Salvation Army is a direct expression of our community’s care and concern for our fellow man.&uot;

The Red Kettle Appeal has been in Natchez since 1920. In 1999 the Salvation Army helped over 9,000 residents of the Miss-Lou.

The tradition of the kettle began in 1891 by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee who wanted to offer a free Christmas dinner to the needy people of San Francisco. The idea stemmed from &uot;Simpson’s Pot&uot; used on Stage Landing in Liverpool to collect charitable donations. By 1895 the kettle charity had spread from the West Coast to the East Coast.

Kettles are now found all over the world.