You can’t miss them. As the holiday season approaches those familiar bright-red Salvation Army kettles start popping up in front of area businesses. Within the next two weeks, the process will begin once again.

The Red Kettle campaign kicks off Nov. 14 in Dallas County, and, once again, the demand is high for donations and volunteers.

The program, which runs through Dec. 24, is designed to secure monetary donations to needy  families in the area.

Many times we walk out of stores and see the kettle, hear the bells ringing, but don’t give them a second thought.

In a place like the Black Belt, donations for this program are crucial. There are so many families that do not have the means to provide their children with a Merry Christmas, or even a decent Christmas meal.

The change or loose dollars you drop in after shopping at local businesses adds up quickly. In a city off 20,000, and a county of more than 40,000, a 50-cent donation can go a long way from numerous shoppers over the next two months.

Donating your time can be just as important. The longer people are available to man the kettles, the more money can be collected.

This holiday season, when you finish shopping, please consider those in need and drop some change in the kettle.

Your small donations have the potential to make a big difference in someone’s life.