The Ashland Salvation Army hopes to raise $50,000 during its annual Red Kettle Campaign, which got underway Wednesday.

Ashland Salvation Army Maj. Larry Shade led an array of local dignitaries in touting the virtues of the local citadel at the campaign kick-off breakfast held at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland.

Funds from the local campaign support the Salvation Army in its assistance to people during the yuletide season.

Maj. Shade said he knows the need is great this year because as of August of this year, the Salvation Army has already provided as much assistance to families as they had all of last year.