Bells are ringing. Perhaps a little more vigorously this year.

The Salvation Army of Summit County kicked off its Red Kettle Campaign with a plea for assistance Nov. 6 at the 21st annual Community Medal Award Luncheon at St. George Fellowship Hall in Copley.

Area coordinator Capt. Bramwell Applin, who arrived at the local chapter with his wife, Capt. Jana Applin, about a year and a half ago, said the community’s needs are growing.

“I think we’re all feeling the strain of the economy right now,” he said. “We’ve been very fortunate that our donors have seen the work that we’re doing and stepped to kind of fill in the gaps for us.”

The Salvation Army has noticed increased demand for its services amid federal budget cuts, Applin said. The number of phone calls and requests has increased

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