WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT) – A kick off event was held Thursday afternoon to mark the start of this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign in Watertown.

The kick off event was held inside the front entrance to Trav’s Outfitter. That was an appropriate location because store owner Travas Uthe (travis yoo-thee) was named the honorary chairman of this year’s camapaign.

He says it’s an honor…

This year’s goal is to raise $80,000 with the Red Kettle Campaign.

It’ll be easier to donate this year too. A QR code will be placed at each red kettle around Watertown where people can scan that code with their phone, and enter the amount they wish to donate.

The kettle campaign runs through December 23rd. The kettles will be located at Trav’s, HyVee, County Fair Foods, Hobby Lobby, Walgreens and WalMart.