The sites and sounds of the Christmas season are already beginning to fill the air.

On Friday, the Fremont Salvation Army kicked off its Red Kettle campaign Friday — just one of the many Christmas season activities that helps raise funds or the organization’s work.

Helping to kick off the kettle campaign was an event at the Salvation Army. Fremont Middle School’s Show Choir entertained the 60 or so people who attended the event.

Captain Timothy Gardner shared the story of the Salvation Army donuts, which were served after the choir’s performance. The Salvation Army first served donuts to soldiers during World War I and continue to be provided to anyone in need.

Later Friday evening, the Tree of Lights was lit at Keene Memorial Library.

Decked out in thousands of red and white lights, the tree lights up the corner of 11th and Broad streets. All of the lights were donated specifically for the tree.

“It’s our main fundraiser,” Captain Timothy Gardner said of the Christmas campaign. “It’s about

50 percent of our budget.”

While many recognize the bell ringers who dot locations throughout the city, that is only part of the Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts. A letter campaign, the Adopt a Family program and the Pathfinder Chorus Christmas concert also add to the fundraising.

This year’s Christmas goal is $145,000 — the same amount the Salvation Army raised last year.

Gardner said volunteers staffing kettles helped the Salvation Army raise that much last year.

“We need volunteers so we don’t have to hire bell ringers (like some communities have to do),” he said. “Last year we saw an increase because we didn’t leave any location empty.”

Bell ringers will begin to staff locations this weekend. Typically, they will be stationed at Food 4 Less, Fremont Mall, Hy-Vee, Walmart and the Post Office.

To volunteer to ring bells, call (402) 721-0930.