Christmas is coming early this year, in the virtual sense.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center Advisory Board and VIPs will launch the campaign to "Rescue Christmas" on Oct. 27 at noon and again at 4 p.m. during live Facebook events. Although the Red Kettles won't be physically out in the community until Dec. 5, the Virtual Red Kettles will give community members the opportunity to join Love's Army before Santa even begins oiling up the sleigh.

"The shutdown caused a lot of drops in funds for everybody," Ashley Chaffin, Kroc graphic designer and photographer, said Monday. "It really is impacting our efforts to fundraise safely and to get enough people on. The theme is to 'Rescue Christmas' for those in need this year and try to find new and creative ways to fundraise."

The goal this year is $190,000 by Christmas Eve. Because of COVID-19, the Red Kettles will be out fewer days and potentially fewer places, and the staff to man them will also be reduced. This means volunteers will be a huge part of rescuing Christmas.

"I have a feeling we will need to double volunteer hours this year," Kroc development director Christy Markham said. "And last year was the most volunteer hours that we’ve ever had."

Those who volunteer to ring the bells are joyful holiday helpers who have the spirit of the season in their hearts. They're happy to greet people and wish everyone a merry Christmas.

"They're giving off that inviting vibe," Chaffin said. "The ones who have fun while doing it really help. It's really that cheery attitude."

Markham said it's important to note, even though the Red Kettle fundraiser goes through the Kroc, it's not just "the Kroc's fundraiser."

Every penny donated will stay in Kootenai County. Details on the Kroc's website show that $25 will feed a single mom or dad and two kids; $63 will shelter a family in crisis; $150 will completely outfit a child with warm winter clothing; $225 will give a child a week at camp; $500 will provide Bibles and weekly mentoring for 15 youths; and $1,000 will prevent a family from becoming homeless at Christmas.

"We do use it for all these partnerships that develop throughout the year," Markam said. "We're really trying to spread the wealth."

The Kettle Team Challenge is a fun way to get businesses, schools, families or civic groups involved in the cause.

Competition categories include:

• Most money raised

• Most creative fundraiser

• Most Kettle volunteer hours

• Highest percentage increase over last season

• Rookie of the year

Info: http://www.kroccda.org/kettles.html