The local unit of the Salvation Army is kicking off the Red Kettle season with a breakfast reception to thank the volunteer ringers and the managers and owners of the local stores that help the organization raise money.

A breakfast reception is being planned for Saturday, November 12, from 9 to 11 am, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

All current and past ringers are invited to attend and bring a new ringer with you to help out this December. Refreshments will be served and we will have seasonal music and representatives from the Salvation Army.

Those interested in learning about the annual fundraising effort are also invited.

The local Salvation Army unit plans to ring the weekends of December 9-10 and 16-17. Sign-up sheets will be available during the breakfast event for all to make an early reservation to ring at any of the following locations: Stop & Shop, within Sand Hill Plaza; Yankee Wine & Liquor, 6 Queen Street; Dunkin’ Donuts, 6 Queen Street; Newtown General Store, 43 Main Street; Walgreens, 49 South Main Street; and Bagel Delight, 30 Church Hill Road.

The local unit of the Salvation Army in partnership with the Newtown Human Services Department, addresses emergency needs of Newtown residents. Last year its Red Kettle collections raised over $10,000. This money helps to address the needs of our friends and neighbors in Newtown that need help.

This year with the rising costs of basic needs such as energy, car expenses, and food, the need is even greater.

Registration is requested and can be done by sending a note to newtownringers@yahoo.com.