The Salvation of Army of Portage kicked off its annual a Red Kettle Campaign Friday morning in front of Trig's County Market in Stevens Point and Wal-Mart in Plover.

The charity hopes to raise $70,000 during this year's campaign, which ends at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. It hopes to raise another $130,000 through its mail appeal campaign and other efforts.

Last year the charity exceeded its $65,000 goal for Red Kettle donations. The charity will use the money it raises this year to support its Hope Center Family Shelter, a 35-bed facility dedicated to feeding and providing shelter to the homeless. The shelter serves 25,000 to 30,000 meals per year, and costs about $700,000 annually to operate.