DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — With Christmas fast approaching, the Salvation Army in Decatur is gearing up for the season by launching their annual holiday campaign with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday.

The sight of bell ringers and their iconic red kettles has become a hallmark of the festive period outside local businesses. According to Major Susan Summit of Decatur’s Salvation Army, these efforts are vital, as the holiday campaign generates over a third of their yearly funds.