The Salvation Army in both Acton and Georgetown is kicking off its kettle campaign this week.
The campaign in Acton begins today (Friday) and in Georgetown tomorrow (Saturday). The Georgetown kick off is 1 p.m. in Georgetown Market Place.
The Georgetown Salvation Army hopes to collect $54,000 in the campaign said Major Renee Clarke of The Salvation Army, Georgetown Community Church. The target in Acton is $26,000 said Major Dean Locke of Acton Salvation Army Church.

Money raised in the kettles goes toward the Salvation Army’s family services program, which helps the needy in Acton and Georgetown with food and food vouchers, emergency housing, clothing, counseling and other services throughout the year. Specifically at Christmas time she said money that comes in through the kettles “helps families to have a Christmas.”

“We anticipate an increase (in the number of families that need help from the Salvation Army) this year because of the economy,” said Clarke.
Currently the Georgetown Salvation Army serves about 100 families on a regular basis. Many are single-parent families, some have disabilities and illness including mental illness, and others are on a fixed income.

Money raised in each community stays within that community.
In Georgetown kettles will be located in Georgetown Market Place and the LCBO. They will also be located at the LCBO, A&P South, Georgetown Market Place and Real Canadian Superstore.
In Acton kettles will be located at Sobeys, Giant Tiger, and LCBO.
The Salvation Army in both Acton and Georgetown are looking for volunteers to staff the kettles, which will be out through Christmas Eve.
The shifts are usually two-hours in length. Anyone interested in volunteering in Acton should call 519-853-1140, and in Georgetown at 905-877-1374.

Both Salvation Army locations are also collecting toys to distribute at Christmas.
Clarke said they particularly need items for teenagers, and suggests gift cards would be best.
In Georgetown toys are being collected in a bin at Georgetown Market Place and they can also be dropped off at the Georgetown Community Church at 271 Mountainview Rd. S. Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In Acton new toys can be dropped off at the Acton Salvation Army Church, 114 Mill St. E. from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, 120 Mill St. E. during store hours.
Both the Acton and Georgetown Salvation Army have both mailed out their Christmas appeal letters to area residents.