In the News ... "Inside The Red Kettle"

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• The red kettle is a sign of hope

Christina Dawidowicz
KMID-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - You hear the bells. The spread of good cheer.

"Every single penny, dime, dollar, hundred, whatever it is makes a difference," said Odessa Salvation Army Lt . Monica Contreras.

It's a difference people have been making since 1891. According to the non-profit's website, a Salvation Army officer placed a kettle near a dock with a sign that read, "keep the pot boiling". As history goes, passerby's tossed money in the kettle to help those in need.

"Many generations recognize the bell ringing, and the red kettle and understand what the significance is behind the collections," said Michael Ramirez.

This is Ramirez's first season as a bell ringer, and he says his experience so far, has been a nice surprise ...

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