Rock The Kettle to kick off holiday campaign

Break out the bell.

The recognizable red kettles of the Salvation Army are about to pop up around town for the holiday season.

The Salvation Army will launch the 2009 Rock The Kettle event from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Yuma Palms Regional Center Village.

According to a news release from the Salvation Army, organizers will host activities for children and live bands at the event. The event will kick off with the Kofa High School Marching Band and the city of Yuma Fire Department will lead a short parade through the Village from Chili’s restaurant to Harkins Theatres where the event will take place.

Yumans will have a chance to see Santa on top of a fire truck.

“A series of local bands and groups will then rock their way through the day leading up to a city proclamation and the official launch of the Annual Red Kettle Appeal at 6 p.m.," the release said.

According to the release, groups performing include 30 Miles Out, Uproot, the Yuma High Jazz Band and the Yuma Youth Choir.

And starting this year, the Salvation Army will debut the new Credit Card Kettle, which is being piloted in Yuma this year, according to the release.

“Customers will have a new way to give this year by simply swiping their credit or debit card at the traditional Red Kettle,” according to the release.

There will also be a giant Red Kettle at the event.

According to the release, kettle donations will be used to provide family Thanksgiving dinners for more than 1,000 people in Yuma and Somerton, food and toys for more than 1,400 families at Christmas and the year-round programs of the Salvation Army and Boys and Girls Club.

For information on the event Saturday or on any of the Salvation Army holiday activities, call 783-0181.