Holiday tradition off and ringing

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A holiday tradition is off and ringing in Buffalo.

The Salvation Army says the need is always great and now Buffalo and western New Yorkers can fill it by putting something into those red kettles.

Leaders with the Salvation Army and the City of Buffalo stood in Niagara Square Wednesday, to start this holiday season tradition.

It's a major anniversary for the organization which has been serving Buffalo for 125 years.

The Salvation Army's mission is to provide basic human needs that can offer hope for a better life.

The group's leaders say western New Yorkers have the heart to give generously, even when times are tight.

"Every dollar we raise in Buffalo is spent in Buffalo, so the answer to the question is, if you give to the Salvation Army Buffalo, it will support those in Buffalo and Erie County," said Major Robert Dixon of the Salvation Army.

Buffalo Sabres fans will be able to help get those kettles full in a hurry Wednesday night.

Salvation Army officers will be stationed at the entrances to HSBC Arena, accepting donations before the Sabres face off against the Islanders.