Lewisville mayor issues Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign challenge to neighboring cities

Lewisville Mayor TJ Gilmore issued a friendly challenge to Highland Village, Flower Mound, Bartonville, The Colony and Coppell to benefit The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, according to a city news release.

The campaign is The Salvation Army’s major fundraiser that brings in the largest percentage of the organization's operating budget for the entire year, according to a Lewisville news release.

The Red Kettle Campaign, which places red kettles in front of storefronts and other locations for donations, funds programs such as clothing assistance, employment assistance, rent and utility assistance, adult education, and emergency response, according to the release.

This year’s Red Kettle Campaign theme is “Hope Marches On,” according to the release.

Nationwide, The Salvation Army assists more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods annually, according to The Salvation Army's website.

Gilmore’s challenge will be held Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m, according to the release. Gilmore and other city employees will participate outside the Sam’s Club located at 751 W. Main St. in Lewisville.