Salvation Army kettle campaign launches Friday

The Salvation Army will ring in the holiday season Friday with the launch of its annual red kettle campaign.

Each year, the Salvation Army employs more than 200 bell ringers and 150 volunteers in Spokane to raise money for its charitable work.

Peter Stanton, chief executive officer of Washington Trust Bank, and his wife, Denise, will participate in this year’s campaign kickoff. The Stantons are challenging other downtown Spokane business owners and managers to join them in having a Salvation Army bell ringer accepting donations outside their doors this holiday season.

In Spokane, the Salvation Army provides shelter to more than 100 needy families, including more than 340 children, and also distributes food to those in need.