Angel Tree, Red Kettle campaigns begin

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It's that time of year when many of us begin to think of our holiday traditions.

Two annual events began on Thursday.

The goal of the WOOD TV8 and WOTV 4 Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Drive is to reach 25,000 children by collecting toys to brighten local children's holiday season.

Businesses, churches, schools and organizations have signed up as Angel Tree Toy Drive drop-off locations.

From Nov. 8 to Dec. 17, participating locations will display a holiday tree decorated with Angel Tree tags (provided by The Salvation Army) that represent a child or teenager who might not otherwise receive any gifts this holiday season.

--Find a participating location
-- Choose a tag from a tree
-- Purchase an unwrapped gift for an infant to a teenager
-- Add a holiday message on the tag
-- Take the gift to a participating drop-off location

The Salvation Army is also starting its annual Red Kettle campaign. Public contributions to the kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who would otherwise be forgotten.

Watch the video above as 24 Hour News 8's Eva Aguirre Cooper talks with Salvation Army Kent County Coordinator Major Bob Mueller about the campaigns.

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Online:

The Salvation Army of Western Michigan and Northern Indiana -- http:// sawmni.org/