Salvation Army officers from throughout the state attended the event. Pictured here (l. to r.) are Dr. Drew Poulopoulos, Divisional Music Director; Lieutenant Kama Lyle of the Capital Region Corps; Lieutenant Daniel Johnson of the Lewiston Corps; Major Annette Lock of the Portland Corps; Lieutenant Dominic Nicoll of the Houlton Corps; Governor Paul R. LePage; Major James LaBossiere, Divisional Commander; Lieutenant Joel Lyle of the Capital Region Corps; Major Patricia Henry, Divisional Program Secretary; Captain Rebecca Kirk of the Bangor Corps and Craig Evans, Divisional Development Director.

The Salvation Army kicked off its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign recently when Governor LePage brought greetings and a Salvation Army Brass Ensemble played holiday carols during a brief ceremony at the Statehouse. The charitable organization expects to have more than 130 red kettles on street corners and shopping areas throughout the state through December 24.

“For 125 years, Salvation Army red kettles around the world have been linked to the Christmas season and to compassion for the needy,” said Governor LePage. “The heart of Maine beats especially strong this time of year. Mainers are generous people known to help our neighbors, and the kettle campaign is one way to help those who need it most.”

Those red kettles provide much more than atmosphere and nostalgia during the Christmas season. Last year, funds donated at these kettles enabled the Salvation Army to provide services and programs to 50,604 men, women and children across the state, in the form of food, clothing, utilities and emergency disaster aid, during the holidays and throughout the year. Also, children were provided with the opportunity to attend the Salvation Army’s Camp Sebago.

There are nine Salvation Army Corps facilities in Maine that offer services and programs for children, adults and seniors. These are located in Bangor, Augusta-Waterville, Bath, Houlton, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Rockland and Sanford. The Salvation Army serves those in need in 91 other communities through volunteers at its service units.

If you are unable to make it to one of their kettles, you can make a donation online at www.onlineredkettle.org.