An event featuring Christmas music from a small brass band kicked off the 2021 kettle campaign Thursday evening in the City Square.

Dawn Siebken, of Fort Dodge, deposited the first donation into a kettle in the square’s gazebo.

The theme of this year’s campaign is Hope Marches On, according to Linda McCormick, commanding officer of The Salvation Army in Fort Dodge.

That theme, she said, is ”an awesome representation of the Army.” She said The Salvation Army marches toward salvation and also marches alongside those who need help and support.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Capt. Linda McCormick, of The Salvation Army in Fort Dodge, speaks Thursday evening during the kickoff event for the annual red kettle campaign. She said the goal of this year's campaign is $45,000.

The goal of this year’s kettle campaign is $45,000.

McCormick said all the money generated by the campaign will stay in Fort Dodge and Webster County. The money is mainly used to buy food for the lunch program and food pantry operated by the local Salvation Army.

The kettle campaign will run through 5 p.m. Dec. 24.

How to help

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to stand by its iconic red kettles and ring bells. To sign up, go to registertoring.com.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A small group of musicians playing Christmas music opened the red kettle kickoff event Thursday evening on the City Square for The Salvation Army. The musicians were, from left, Tyler Schulze, of Omaha, Nebraska; Alison Arthur, of Omaha, Nebraska; Salvation Army Capt. Rachel White, of Omaha, Nebraska; and Salvation Army Capt. Linda McCormick, of Fort Dodge. Schulze, Arthur and White came to Fort Dodge specifically for the event. McCormick played a 100-year-old double bell euphonium.

On the website enter the Fort Dodge ZIP code, 50501, to find times, dates and locations where bell ringers are needed.