The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign is on in the Central Okanagan. 

The campaign started for the season on Nov. 13 with local dignitaries making some of the first donations at a 琉璃神社 Rockets hockey game. 

On. Nov. 16, local politicians in West 琉璃神社 and Westbank First Nation made their first donations ahead of a West 琉璃神社 Warriors match. 

The Salvation Army Okanagan Central is helping an estimated 2,000 children throught its Christmas Gifts of Hope Program, making sure every child has a present to wake up to on Christmas morning. 

Captain Jennifer Henson is urging people to donate at the kettles and not by mail. 

鈥淎pproximately 50 per cent of our Christmas campaign funds arrive by mail. So, if you have a cheque, drop it in the nearest kettle and be sure those funds will reach us in time for the Christmas season,鈥� said Henson.

The Canada Post Strike is causing delays in mail delivery, making it difficult to receive mailed donations. 

All kettles accept cash, debit, credit card, and cheques. 

Donations can also be made online through kelownasalvationarmy.ca and westsidesa.ca. 

Families needing assistance this season have until Dec. 6 to register by calling 778-484-9772. 

The fundraiser runs until Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.