You may have already seen them, the Salvation Army Red Kettles. Their holiday campaign starts Tuesday.

Andrea Fujii reports the need this year is greater than ever before.

It’s a sound that signifies the start of the giving season. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has just started, but this year they’re already down.

“Right now in our funding we’re about 60,000 behind in our regular donations,” said Major Roger Coulson, Salvation Army.

Last year the Army bought gifts for 32,000 area children and helped 7,000 families with temporary housing.

In this slow economy, they expect the needs to be even greater this season.

“Their reserves have been all used up and they’re admitting that they have to go someplace and seek assistance,” said Major Coulson.

Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain was at the kickoff event and lived at the Salvation Army for a year when he was a child.

“If its 25 cents, a penny, $1, $5 no amount matters, but all of this affects somebody at some point,” said McClain.

All the money collected goes to buy gifts, but also helps fund the Salvation Army for the entire year.

Six-thousand children have already requested gifts this year and with help, the Salvation Army hopes to grant every one’s wish.

The Salvation Army hopes to raise $600,000 this year.

Click here, to make a donation.