AUGUSTA – State Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, has been appointed the honorary chairwoman for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign in Lewiston-Auburn, said John Bennett, commanding officer of the Lewiston Salvation Army.

Rotundo will help spread the message behind the kettle drive this time of year, Bennett said.

Rotundo said she’s honored with the appointment, and that the needs this holiday season are great.

“I have looked into the eyes of the children and adults in this community who lack the most basic human needs – shelter, medicine, clothing, food,” Rotundo said. “The Salvation Army has always been there to provide a safety net for them. … They are there to offer young people a safe place to go after school. They are there to keep people warm when they fall on hard times and cannot afford the heat.”

Rotundo was chosen as chair because she’s well known, “and is concerned with doing what’s right” to help people, Bennett said.

The Salvation Army has been in the Lewiston-Auburn area for more than 100 years, beginning in 1885. It was founded in 1865 in London, England. The familiar red kettles are manned by uniformed bell ringers from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Money from the kettles provides toys, food and warm coats to more than 500 families at Christmas. After the holidays, money raised continues to meet emergency short-term needs, from utility assistance to food, for approximately 50 families per month. The kettle drive is the most important fund-raising event of the year for the Salvation Army.

“The results determine our ability to effectively serve the emergency needs of our friends and neighbors,” Bennett said.