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'Tis the Season: Salvation Army Red Kettles Begin Appearing on Philadelphia Streets

By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- You know the holiday season is around the corner when you see those red kettles appearing outside stores.

Today, the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the Salvation Army kicked off its 2014 fundraising season, inside the Gallery at Market East. Music was provided by one of the army's own brass bands.

"Whether you give a nickel or dime or a dollar or more, every little bit helps," noted Col. Jan Banfield, who has been ringing bells at the kettles for over 50 years.

"Our goal for the bell ringing campaign, the Christmas kettles, is 700 thousand dollars," said Maj. Robert Dixon,  director of the Greater Philadelphia chapter, who says that money goes to combat hunger, homelessness, and provide education programs for children and adults, plus re-entry programs for inmates who have served their time.

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