Lawrence resident Jeanette Lohrbach reaches to drop off a donation to the Salvation Army bucket at the Sixth Street Hy-Vee store Friday, July 10, 2009. The Salvation Army is kicking off it's Christmas

It’s a sight that caught many people off guard.

The calendar may say July and temperatures are soaring into the 90s, but on Friday Christmas music blared at three different locations across Lawrence.

“I’ll be honest, people are a little surprised we’re here. They’re unsure,” Salvation Army volunteer Ranelle Fischer said, while manning one of the agency’s red kettles outside Hy-Vee, 3504 Clinton Parkway. “In this economy, every little bit counts.”

The Salvation Army kicked off its “Christmas in July” campaign Friday, dusting off those red kettles typically reserved for the holiday season.

Gone are the bells, replaced by the sounds of beach-themed Christmas music. Organizers hope the holiday tunes will get people in the spirit of giving.

“There are just so many needs right now and with the economy, everybody is a little bit strapped,” volunteer Mary Gordon said after finishing her two-hour shift with the kettle. “The service organizations really need our help now.”

The campaign, which kicked off Friday, runs every Friday and Saturday through Aug. 1. Volunteers in their grass skirts, flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts will be out at three locations — both Hy-Vee stores in Lawrence and Checkers Foods, 2300 La.

The Salvation Army, which was seeking 100 people to help with the drive, still needs more volunteers.

And Gordon said there’s one good thing about volunteering in July instead of December.

“It’s a lot different,” she said. “Usually we’re freezing when we’re out here. Today we’re cooking, so it’s Merry July and Happy August.”