Bill Williams is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Hudson Salvation Army must raise $75,000 in the next 42 days while following COVID-19 protocols, Darcy Connor, director of the Hudson Salvation Army Service Center, said November 11. The Red Kettle goal for 2020 represents an increase of $2,500 over last year's goal. The Salvation Army serves all residents of Columbia and Greene counties at its location on 40 S. Third St. “We never turn anybody away,” Connor said. “We serve more than 2,000 people per month through our food pantry and soup kitchen.” The service center distributes between 70 and 80 meals every day to residents of both counties, and the Red Kettle goal helps the Salvation Army to continue providing those meals. In addition to buying food, the money is also used for those in need and victims of fires and other disasters, to purchase clothing and other household needs, from its thrift store on Fairview Avenue. The money is also used to pay the utility bills at the store. In Greene County, the Salvation Army works closely with Community Action of Greene County, Camp Grace Soup Kitchen, Catholic Charities and the Healthcare Consortium. Connor is putting out a call for the volunteer bell ringers needed to make the goal. Bell ringers must wear a mask, remain 6 feet away from others and wipe the kettle down with disinfectant after each donation. Bell ringers are able to pick their date, time and location if available. Kettles will be out at Price Chopper in Catskill and Chatham, at Walmart in Hudson and ShopRite in Hudson. Ringers can also choose another location, but it must be approved in advance. To volunteer, call the service center at 518-822-1602, or e-mail darcy [dot] connor [at] use.salvationarmy [dot] org. Read more at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.