DETROIT (WWJ) -- It's a familiar sight when visiting downtown Detroit during the holiday season.
The Salvation Army has marked the beginning of their giving campaign with the installation of the "World's tallest Red Kettle" in Cadillac Square, across from Campus Martius Park.
WWJ's Mike Campbell was on hand while workers built the 56-foot-tall, 24-foot-wide iconic structure early Friday morning.
The kettle serves as a beacon of hope, boasting 26,000 sparkling LED lights, which will be put on full display during the city of Detroit and Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Tree Lighting program on Friday, Nov. 17.
The installation ceremony symbolizes the start of the giving season, calling on people in the community to give to those in need, whether by donating money into a red kettle in storefronts across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties or by volunteering as a red kettle bell ringer.
The Salvation Army's Metro Detroit Area Commander Toni Dorell told WWJ's Tony Ortiz that the money collected each winter helps people in need, which is expected to be more than last year.
"Yeah, it's kind of hard to believe this early in November that right now we're seeing about a 60% increase in the number of folks who are reaching out to us for Christmas assistance help," Dorell said. "So, yeah, it's... a little mind-boggling at this point to think about that, right? The number of people in our community that are in need."
Officials plan to roll out more red kettles around our area at or around Thanksgiving.
In addition to being able to contribute in-person at the red kettles, you can also contribute to a "virtual" red kettle at the Salvation Army's website. The red kettles also have digital donations with a "Tap to Give" option using credit and debit cards.
"Your donation in any amount, you know, every quarter, nickel, penny, dime, dollar, twenty dollars in the kettle, it all adds up to make a huge difference and it's such a blessing to see a community come together and respond to help their neighbors in need," Dorell added.
This year, the nonprofit is looking to raise $7.9 million to spread Love Beyond Christmas and support metro Detroiters in need.
Funds raised during the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign will support The Salvation Army's year-round efforts to provide more than just food and shelter through critical social services and various community programs.
Volunteer bell ringers work in two-hour shifts, typically ringing at a storefront. Go to registertoring.com to volunteer and for more information.
You can donate to the Virtual Red Kettle by going here.
For more information about The Salvation Army, call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit SAmetrodetroit.org.