Yellowknife (Dec 01/04) - Something's brewing in Sally Ann's kettle: the spirit of the season.

The Salvation Army kicked off its annual Christmas Kettle campaign on Friday and now it's your turn to stock the pot.

The organization hopes to raise $89,000 this year. About $20,000 of that comes from the kettles.

"It's a significant part of our annual fundraising," said campaign co-ordinator Cpt. Jim Merritt.

Maj. Al Hoeft estimated that the kettle campaign is now in its 23rd year in Yellowknife. It raised approximately $19,000 last year.

The campaign is staffed by volunteers and operates during the four weekends before Christmas. The Rotary Club had members outside the downtown liquor store last weekend and CBC North will take over kettle collections this Friday.

The Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and the Royal Canadian Legion will also help out -- along with numerous selfless citizens -- providing an "army" of volunteers. There will be about 200 in all.

In addition to the liquor store, look for kettles outside Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire. Campaigning runs Friday evenings and Saturdays.

"All of our Christmas money stays in the North," said Merritt.

"It's used to assist those in need regardless of their theology or system of belief."