AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Usually the sound of ringing bells and the colors red and white mean Santa is coming to town.
Friday it was simply the panhandle spirit of the Salvation Army and their kettle kick-off.
"This is a tradition that we've had for over a century, where we give people an opportunity to partner with us so that we can make a difference," said Major Harvey Johnson Salvation Army Core Officer. "Not just for the holidays but all year long for people that live in the panhandle area."
The Salvation Army helps countless families through the Christmas program that provides toys, food, and clothing.
"The kettle effort is the largest single thing we do for fundraising all year," said Johnson. "And it's the most visible thing we do. We're very pleased to have the thousands of people help us throughout the community and make a difference."
This year the Salvation Army is aiming to raise 240 thousand dollars and countless people from different organizations, businesses and churches have volunteered their time to contribute to the effort.
"That's part of reason I like being in Amarillo because we have seen a lot of people stop by, and when you think they don't have anything to give, they still give and it's very, very heart warming," said Kandace Rem Happy State Bank Volunteer.
Soon you'll hear those bells everywhere.
