(La Porte, IN) - The annual Salvation Army kettle drive for the holiday season has begun in La Porte.

The fund raising goal from the kettles this year is $85,000, said Maj. Charles Pinkston of the Salvation Army at 3240 Monroe St.

“We’re off to a good start this year,” he said.

Pinkston said the goal is the same last year when about $69,000 came out the kettles.

The monetary goal from all sources of holiday giving is $150,000, which was the mark achieved in La Porte during the previous season.

Michigan City’s new mayor, Angie Nelson Deuitch, has agreed to continue the kettle drive competition with La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.  Dermody won the friendly competition against former mayor Duane Parry  in each of the previous four years.

The ring-off between the mayors is scheduled December 20.