Red kettle campaign begins

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It's beginning to look and sound a lot like Christmas around central Indiana, as The Salvation Army kicks off its Tree of Lights campaign.

The organization's iconic red kettles will begin appearing at 140 locations starting Thursday. The goal this year is to raise $3.3 million. The money raised during the holiday season goes to support the organization's programs and services all year long.

A kickoff ceremony Thursday morning at The Salvation Army's headquarters on Meridian Street featured 24-Hour News 8 anchor Eric Halvorson as emcee the event for the eighth straight year. The event also featured The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, the St. Richard's School Dragonettes, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and WIBC's Pat Sullivan and Denny Smith.

In addition to the iconic red kettle donations, people can now text a donation to The Salvation Army. To give $5, text RING to 80888. To give $10, text GIVE to the same number.