Kicking off the Salvation Army’s 26th annual Red Kettle Campaign recently at the Catawba Island Club were Executive Director Maureen Saponari and special guests Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider, left, and Lee Vivod, the community president of business banking for Huntington Bank. (Photos by D’Arcy Egan)

Ringing the bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has become a tradition for many people around Ottawa County, and many of them enjoyed a great breakfast at Catawba Island Club recently, and put their names on the bell-ringing schedule, which runs from Nov. 11 to Dec. 24.

“We signed up about 400 folks at the Red Kettle Breakfast, but we’re still looking for more volunteers,” said Executive Director Maureen Saponari. “We welcome bell ringers to contact us at the Port Clinton Service Center.”

People can call 419-732-2769 or visit the Salvation Army Service Center, 1834 E Perry St., Port Clinton.

The Salvation Army Red Kettles will be set up at Kroger’s, Twin Oast, Walmart, Friendship Food Stores, the Community Market in Oak Harbor and the Miller Market in Genoa.

“All of the proceeds from the Red Kettle Campaign are used to directly serve the needs of Ottawa County,” said Saponari. “From the Winter Coats for Families to our week-long summer camp for kids at Camp NEOSA, we have programs year round to help families and local folks.”

Keeping Saponari and her many volunteers busy in the coming weeks will be the 16th annual Tree-A-Rama Charity Auction at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery in Port Clinton on Sunday, Dec. 8.

“The Tree-A-Rama Charity Auction is the second largest fundraiser the Salvation Army has each year, and one of our most popular events,” said Saponari. “Donations for the Tree-A-Rama auctions have ranged from decorated holiday trees of all sizes to tickets for events, trips to exotic locations and some amazing artwork. The silent auction begins at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, with the live auction at 4 p.m.

Donations for the Tree-A-Rame action can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Service Center in Port Clinton.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign at Christmas time has become a tradition for many bell-ringing volunteers around Ottawa County. Hundreds signed up recently to volunteer again this holiday season at the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Breakfast, and there is a need for more volunteers.