Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward helped kick off The Salvation Army’s 2011 Red Kettle Campaign this morning outside Cordova Mall.

Mayor Hayward encouraged civic groups and other volunteers to help staff the campaign’s 45 red kettles. “The Salvation Army is a great organization that truly makes a difference in our community,” said Mayor Hayward. “The Red Kettle Campaign is a hallmark of the holiday season that provides The Salvation Army with the means to provide its invaluable services throughout the year.”

Volunteers can contact The Salvation Army at (850) 432-1501 to sign up.

The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s most prominent fundraiser. Held each year during the holiday season, the campaign enables The Salvation Army to provide food, toys, and clothing to people in need. This year’s campaign will begin on November 12 and will extend through December 24.

About the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has been supporting those in need since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide.