SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. -- The Salvation Army of Saginaw County will kick off its 2009 red kettle drive on Monday outside the covered west entrance of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth.

The 15-minute program is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

The world’s largest red kettle, weighing 1,650 pounds and measuring 5 feet wide by 7 feet tall, will be on site for the kickoff.

"Over 7,000 men, women and children looked to us for help during the Christmas season in 2008,” said Ann Bierman, director of marketing and development for the Saginaw County Salvation Army.

Supporters are encouraged to watch and listen for bell ringers throughout the holiday season and drop off their donations at any of 42 red-kettle business locations throughout the county.

"People sometimes ask why we have kettles everywhere -- we have kettles everywhere because the need is everywhere," said Bierman.

Officials said the goal for this year’s red kettle drive in Saginaw County is $262,000.

Donations can also be mailed to the Salvation Army office at 2030 N. Carolina St., P.O. Box 3204, Saginaw, MI, 48605.