The Tamaqua Salvation Army will hold a Christmas Kettle kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. in downtown Tamaqua's Depot Square Park.

The Salvation Army is looking for people to volunteer to help raise money through itsr Christmas Kettles. The Traditional Bell Ringer volunteers two or more hours to ring bells at designated kettle locations. They help by collecting money throughout the Christmas season.All money raised from this program helps support the needs of local residents in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties.Businesses, schools, civic clubs, churches or any group wishing to help raise funds by ringing the bell at a designated Salvation Army location. Groups (volunteers) are encouraged to take a day or weekend to minister in this way.A friendly spirit and a big smile are a must! Table top kettles are available for small businesses. Call the Tamaqua Salvation Army for details.Angel Tree ProgramThe Tamaqua Salvation Army Angel Tree Program will make the 2010 season brighter for a needy child who might not otherwise receive any gifts during this holiday season.Adopt an angel yourself, with your co-workers, or friends. Churches, businesses, malls and clubs are encouraged to participate. It's easy, rewarding, and meaningful.You pick up an Angel Tree Tag at a designated location, purchase new items listed on the tag, package the unwrapped items together and place the tag securely on the package. The "present" should be returned to our office or original tree location as soon as possible.Each Angel Tag provides the name, age, gender, clothing sizes and special Christmas needs and wishes of a child. Caring individuals can select one or more of the angels.Your anonymous gift from this program directly provides your Angel child in Schuylkill or Carbon Counties with a memorable Christmas morning.Individuals or groups that would like Angel tags can pick them up now. The deadline to return the gifts with their tags is Dec. 15 in order to organize the gifts by families. Physically having the gifts here will make sure all registered children receive something for the holiday.Please remember that many of these families may not have transportation and they may wish to remain anonymous. This system enables the Salvation Army to distribute the gifts quickly and efficiently on the pick-up day.Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Salvation Army. For more information concerning any of these holiday programs and volunteer opportunities please call (570) 668-0410.Salvation Army Angel Tree LocationsTAMAQUAThe Tamaqua Salvation Army - 105 W. Broad StreetTamaqua Chamber of Commerce - 114 W. Broad StreetLEHIGHTONLehighton Wal-Mart - 1204 Blakeslee Blvd Dr., LehightonCARBON COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICESJim Thorpe - 1122 North Street (570) 325-8835Hometown - 231 Claremont Ave (570) 668-2100PANTHER VALLEYPanther Valley High School