The St. Cloud Salvation Army will hold it’s annual Red Kettle Kickoff tomorrow from 5:15-6:00 pm at the Wal-Mart on Highway 15 North.  

The festivities will begin with appearances by Santa Claus, St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, and Major Manuel Madrid of the St. Cloud Salvation Army.  State Representative Larry Haws, also known as  “Santa Haws,” will also help to kick off the celebration.

Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be served from a Salvation Army Disaster Canteen.  Also making an appearance will be “Big Red,” which is the nation’s largest red kettle.  The giant kettle is 8 feet tall and holds more than $230,000 in donations. In addition, kids can meet Salvation Army Disaster Relief mascot “Bunkee the Bear,” who will be available for photos and will be handing out souvenir bells.  

Major Madrid says that there is a real need for bell ringers this season.  He estimates the Salvation Army needs about 600 additional bell-ringers this winter.  “If you have never rung bells before, it’s truly  great family activity,” Madrid says.  “We’ll even give you some pointers to make it a wonderful experience. “