The Salvation Army will kick off its annual holiday bell-ringing campaign at Tamarind Park on Bishop Square in Downtown Honolulu on Monday at noon.

Gov. Linda Lingle, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and Mayor Mufi Hannemann will make the first donation to the red kettles. They will also be ringing the bells at the corner of Bishop and King streets.

The Royal Hawaiian Band will play, and members of The Salvation Army Honolulu advisory board will ringing the bells at kettle stands at the four corners of the intersection of King and Bishop streets.

"The red kettles during the holiday season have been a major source of support that we receive from the general public," Maj. Edward Hill, Salvation Army divisional commander, said in a news release. "This year is particularly important that we raise much-needed funds for our programs to help the increasing number of families needing assistance because of the widespread effects of the ailing economy."

Several groups, schools, civic clubs and companies have adopted the red kettle and ring the bell as a way to support The Salvation Army. People at home may also set up an online Red Kettle and invite friends and family to donate online. Visit www.onlineredkettle.org.