The Salvation Army said it will kick off its annual holiday bell-ringing campaign at Tamarind Park on Bishop Square in Downtown Honolulu on Monday at noon. Gov. Linda Lingle, Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona and Mayor Mufi Hannemann will make the first donation to the red kettles. They will also be ringing the bells at the corner of Bishop and King streets.

A musical entertainment program hosted by Jeff Apaka will feature the Royal Hawaiian Band. During the event, the four corners at the intersection at King and Bishop streets will have red kettle stands with members of The Salvation Army Honolulu advisory board ringing the bells.
“The Red Kettles during the holiday season have been a major source of support that we receive from the general public,” says Major Edward Hill, Salvation Army divisional commander. “This year is particularly important that we raise much-needed funds for our programs to help the increasing number of families needing assistance because of the widespread effects of the ailing economy.”
Several groups, schools, civic clubs and companies have “adopted” the red kettle and ring the bell as a way to support The Salvation Army.
This year The Salvation Army is also extending an invitation to the public to become a “virtual” bell ringer so that they may “ring” the bell in the comfort of their home. Anyone can easily set up an online Red Kettle and invite friends and family to fill their online kettle. Donations go directly to help the charitable programs of The Salvation Army. To do so, visit www.onlineredkettle.org.