By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

ALABASTER–Dozens of volunteers ringing bells and donning red aprons was the scene on Thursday, Nov. 10, outside of the Foodland Supermarket in Alabaster as spirits were high to kick off the Red Kettle campaign for the holiday season.

The Salvation Army has been providing food and utility assistance to neighbors in both Shelby and Chilton counties for a number of years, and the purpose of the Red Kettle campaign is to help struggling individuals during the holiday season.

The campaign officially kicked off on Nov. 11 and will continue through Dec. 24.

Salvation Army of Shelby and Chilton counties Captain Rufus McDowell and his wife, Julia, were at Foodland on Nov. 10 celebrating the start of the campaign and thanking volunteers for the time and effort they’ll put in for the next couple of weeks.

“The purpose of today is to jumpstart the Red Kettle campaign,” said Rufus. “We are asking the community that whenever they see a bell ringer we ask that they make a contribution to the Salvation Army to help provide people with food and utility assistance during Christmas and throughout the holidays.”

Rufus extended thanks to Foodland Supermarket Manager Mel Chapman for being a sponsor of the Red Kettle campaign and for helping provide refreshments for the campaign kickoff.

The Foodland Supermarket in Alabaster is just one of 37 total locations throughout Shelby and Chilton counties where the bell ringers will be out and area residents will have a chance to donate to the Salvation Army campaign.

In addition to being captains of the Salvation Army, Rufus and Julia are also pastors at the Salvation Army Community Church located in Alabaster.

“This is about brining the community together and this campaign is vital to the Salvation Army,” said Rufus. “The mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus, while also spreading the love of Jesus.”