A Salvation Army Christmas tradition that started more than 100 years ago is still helping people in need around the world, including in Billings.
Bell ringers collected donations as part of the Red Kettle Campaign at several locations throughout the county.
Mayor Bill Cole was one of the volunteers in front of Scheel’s on Saturday.
The campaign started in San Francisco in 1891 to helped feed people in need.
The Yellowstone County Salvation Army feeds people six nights a week, which follows an idea from the organization’s founder William Booth.
“William Booth has the saying ‘soup, soap and salvation,’” said Captain Donald Warriner of the Salvation Army. “He used to take these people that had more pressing needs like food and shelter and when you have those needs, sometimes it’s really hard for you to think about God. So what he did was try to meet those needs. Then he taught him about God. and it works. and we still do that today.”
Warriner said the Salvation Army is looking for more volunteers to help with the Red Kettle Campaign in Yellowstone County.
