NORTH LIMA, Ohio - The iconic sound of sleigh bells will return to sidewalks and storefronts for the 134th year in a row. The Salvation Army of Mahoning County kicked off its 2025 Red Kettle effort Saturday morning at Sheely's Furniture in North Lima. 

While the event's atmosphere was cheery, it came at a time of great need for local charities. Amid the ongoing government shutdown and issues with delayed SNAP benefits, area coordinator Paul Moore told 21 News the Salvation Army's food pantry has seen a 105% increase in visitors this month. 

"People are desperate for food," Moore said. "We normally have about 25, 30 — we had 70 people this week. We had to turn people away because we just don't have the staff and the time. We said, 'You have to come next week.'"  

According to Moore, this year's fundraising goal is $150,000 — a big step up from last year's goal of $105,000. In addition to its regular collections of cash and toys for Christmas, The Salvation Army of Mahoning County is also asking the community for non-perishable food items. In a recent social media post, the organization said it urgently needs donations of shelf-stable milk, juice, canned meats and peanut butter and jelly. 

"We obviously ramp up for money donations and toys this time of year, but I think right now, food is a big one," said Chris Haus, owner of Haus Auto Group and a board member of the Salvation Army. 

Even when the shutdown has passed and the holiday season is over, Red Kettle funds support programs at the Salvation Army year-round. From January to October of this year, the group says it distributed more than 42,000 meals. It also holds multiple summer camps for children, and some children from the after-school Kids' Club attended Saturday's event. 

"Many of them are from low-income homes, and we try to give them a meal every Friday night when they come to program, we try to mentor them," Moore said.