By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
Grab you change and get ready; the Salvation Army is kicking off their Red Kettle campaign tonight.
For more than 120 years, the Salvation Army has put on this iconic fundraiser.
"When people see them out on the street, normally it a sign of Christmas right around the corner," says Major Gary Felton of the Salvation Army.
Fundraising organizers say the money that's raised through Christmas accounts for more than 60% of the Salvation Army's yearly operating budget
"That allows us to really provide service not only at Christmas time but year round," Felton adds. "People don't realize that what we do at Christmas time really, in the end, determines what we do year round so its really important for us to really have a successful Christmas."
Last year in the QC alone, volunteers were able to raise $720,000 and they're hoping for even more this year. There will be 50 kettles scattered across the QC.
The money raised goes toward helping the Salvation Army's shelter as well as helping feed those in need and many of the other services they offer.
It all starts tonight at the Northpark Mall at 6:30 p.m. with Iowa's largest red kettle.
If you'd like to volunteer, you can do so by clicking here.
