Bells will ring at store fronts starting Friday for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Salvation Army of Decatur kicked off its start to its Christmas campaign.

A ribbon cutting took place Thursday to start the giving season for the organization.

The Salvation Army said its season theme is "Love Beyond", as it reminds the community that everyone can love beyond hardships, challenges, and differences.

"The generosity of this community in their ability to give their time, their resources, whatever it is they have, they want to give is really exciting to be a part of," said Major Susan Summit.

The organization's fundraising goal is $600,000, which will help assist the community all year long through various programs. Those programs include a food pantry, men's emergency shelter, pathway of hope, homeless prevention, prescription assistance, and supportive services for veterans.

Leading up to Christmas the Salvation Army will have red kettles placed at stores across the county. There will also be events the community can attend. The organization said it needs bell ringers throughout the month of November and December.

"We have about 2,900 hours of kettle work that has to be covered. Currently, we are doing good," said Major Randall Summit. "We got about 800 some hours that are already covered by groups that we know have already committed, but there's still a whole bunch of places and a lot of hours that need to be filled up."

To sign up to be a bell ringer for the TSA, click here.

On Sunday, Nov. 17 the TSA will host its second "Decatur Un-Masked Extravaganza". The concert will be a "Masked Singer" theme with some of the past performers. There is a free will offering and donations will be matched for this event up to $25,000.

On Thursday, Nov. 12 the TSA will host its annual Red Kettle Concert and Dinner Gala. It will be at the Lincoln Square Theater from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring Pizazz.

To see the TSA's full Christmas calendar, click here.