The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, is the traditional Kettle Kickoff for the annual Salvation Army fundraiser. In keeping with the tradition, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Mike and Debbie Benham and Mesquite Mayor Jesse Whipple and Julie Stoltz were there for the event.

Director of the Salvation Army Anthony Rivera set up the kettle stand, and the first donor was six-year-old Teagan Davis.

Rivera said, “This Kettle Drive is our annual fundraiser that allows us to continue our services throughout the whole year. We are thankful for the generous people who live in Mesquite. Remember, when you see a red kettle, please drop a little in. It helps us so much. We are hoping to meet or exceed our contributions from last year.

If you would like to volunteer to be a red kettle bell ringer, call volunteer coordinator Julie Stoltz at 725-271-0883.

Mayor Whipple said, “The Salvation Army does so much here in our local community. We support this great organization and Debbie Benham for all her work creating the Parade of Lights to support the Salvation Army Food Bank.”