The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign will officially kick off at 6 p.m. Friday at Downtown Lawrence’s annual lighting celebration.

This year, the Salvation Army hopes the campaign raises $108,000 for programs that help the poor, homeless and others in need. Bell ringers will be at 15 locations this year, including Community Mercantile, Checkers Food, Dillon’s, Hy-Vee, JC Penney, Walgreens and Wal-Mart. Downtown bell ringers will be at Starbucks and U.S. Bank.

This year’s campaign theme is “Hope Wanted,” which will draw attention to the fact that people continue to face hardship during these rough economic times. The organization continues to see people placed under strain from waning unemployment benefits, high costs of living and lack of jobs.

The Salvation Army stresses any donation of time or money is appreciated. To volunteer to be a bell ringer contact Liz Coleman at 843-4188.