Salvation Army red-kettle competition is Thursday

The Salvation Army’s annual “Bell Ringing” City Competition will take place Thursday, Dec. 12, at several retail locations throughout the Flathead Valley. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Show your support for your city and the Salvation Army by donating to the red kettle at the locations listed below. The city raising the most money during the day will be recognized as the No. 1 City and will receive the trophy for the year. After winning last year’s competition the city of Columbia Falls will be striving for a repeat win.

The contestants this year (in order of how they finished last year) are:

1. City of Columbia Falls at Smiths Grocery, Columbia Falls

2. Evergreen Chamber of Commerce at Super 1, Evergreen

3. Bigfork Chamber of Commerce at Harvest Foods, Bigfork

4. Lakeside Chamber of Commerce at Tamarack Brewing Co.

5. City of Whitefish at Safeway in Whitefish

This fun competition has been enjoyed for seven years. Last year the combined effort of all city contestants raised $7,369.69.

The money raised in the Salvation Army kettles stays in the Flathead Valley to help the most needy. The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet basic human needs without discrimination. Locally, they provide hot breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday all through the year, clothing and household needs, hygiene services, shower and laundry, as well as emotional and spiritual support. There is never a charge for services.

Christmas programs the Salvation Army manages include Adopt-A-Family and Angel Trees to gather new cloths and toys so all children can wake up to a joyful Christmas.

The Salvation Army can be reached at 406-257-4357 or visit the website at www.kalispell.salvationarmy.org.