A Christmas tradition and the Salvation Army's biggest fundraiser of the year continues through Christmas eve. The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center has a goal of raising $195,000 for the holiday season.

Again this year, there is a fundraising challenge between Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. The mayors of both cities will ring the bell on December 13. Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer will be at the Fred Meyer on Kathleen Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon. Donations collected throughout the day will be tallied to determine which city wins.

Although there was not a formal competition last year, Coeur d’Alene handily beat Spokane each of the previous years. Let’s help Mayor Widmyer beat Spokane’s mayor again! For those generous people out there who plan to donate to this important cause, remember December 13 is a great day to give!

Money raised during the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign stays local and helps out many causes, including:

• Emergency Assistance for seniors and families needing help with food, rent, utilities, prescriptions and gas cards.

• Camp Gifford (summer camp) scholarships.

• Kroc Scholarships—giving people of all ages the tools and opportunities to heal, grow, and connect.

• Life Skills classes.

• Union Gospel Mission

Mayor-elect Steve Widmyer at last year’s Kettle Campaign with Kimber Gates-Travis and daughter, Scarlett.