Salvation Army vice chair Lee Miller addresses the crowd Friday morning.
As community leaders and well-wishers started to make their way to Gaslight Brookshire Brothers Friday, the Central Bulldog Band played "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
That echoed the mission for The Salvation Army's mission of making sure many in the community have the resources to make it a merry Christmas for their loved ones as the organization held its official kickoff Friday morning.
Salvation Army Capt. Cavon Phillips expressed his gratitude while asking for the community's help in the annual Red Kettle campaign.
"Here in the Lufkin community, we are neighbors," Phillips said. "There are some of our neighbors who are in need. We can help them out through the Red Kettle campaign."
Lufkin Mayor Mark Hicks was on hand to be the first to ring the bell, bringing along help from his daughters Caroline and Macy. It was also part of the annual tradition of the "Battle of the Mayors." Hicks rang the bell at the Lufkin location, while Nacogdoches Mayor Randy Johnson rang the bell in Nacogdoches.
The city with the most donations in that time frame would have its mayor declared the winner.
Hicks read a proclamation to declare the official kickoff of Red Kettle season in Lufkin while urging the community to participate.
"The Salvation Army is a huge asset for our community," Hicks said. "It often goes unrecognized because not many people see the final work. But we couldn't take care of so many people in the community without your work."
Lee Miller, the vice chair for The Salvation Army, addressed the assembled crowd while describing the work the organization does within the community.
"This is more than just a tradition," Miller said. "Lufkin has been a giving community, and I'm proud to live here. East Texas is known for their kind hearts. This is a definitely a challenging time in the community. As we hear the familiar bells ring, we can treat this as a call to action. Thanks for answering that call."
Miller also urged people to help out with the Angel Tree program, which began Nov. 4 and provides toys and clothing to children whose families are facing financial difficulties.
Prior to the ceremony, Phillips spoke about what The Salvation Army meant to him on a personal level and how fulfilling it is to step into his current role.
"I started going to the Salvation Army when I was 11, the same Salvation Army I have command over now," Phillips said. "I fell in love with it. The officers showed love to everyone who came through those doors. I was fascinated by that. To be able to love others despite your differences is so important. That love of service and love of others is what makes The Salvation Army so special. It's bigger than one individual, one organization. With a loud anthem, we are here to say you are not alone."
While the Red Kettle campaign is centered around the holiday season, it is a fundraiser that benefits The Salvation Army throughout the year.
"It is very important," Phillips said. "The funds raised here are used throughout the year. They're funds we use to help with financial assistance. They're funds we use to keep our doors open to make sure we can help the community.
"There are parents out there who are making some tough choices. They're out there making sure their family is taken care of, and they're trying to make sure they're able to have something for Christmas. We have a loving community, and we'd just ask them to support their neighbors any way they can."
In addition to giving at the various Red Kettles in town, volunteers are also needed. People can volunteer to ring the bell by signing up at The Salvation Army or by going online at registertoring.com.
The Angel Tree program is also looking to provide gifts for 800 children in the community.
For more information on the Angel Tree program, contact Jenifer Phillips at (936) 223-6624. For more information on the Red Kettle Campaign, contact Cavon Phillips at (936) 634-5132.