The mayors of Michigan City and La Porte are ready for a friendly battle of their respective cities in support of The Salvation Army.

A “Red Kettle Ring Off” is set for Friday, December 20 during which Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte will each staff a red kettle in their cities, competing to see who can raise the most funds to support the Christmas campaigns in each city.

In Michigan City, Mayor Nelson Deuitch will staff the red kettle at Al’s Supermarket on Karwick Plaza from 10 am to 7 pm with her staff, family, and friends. Mayor Dermody will do the same at Kroger in La Porte from 9 am to 6 pm.

Mayors of both cities look forward to this annual competition, and Mayor Dermody says it has become an important holiday tradition in the City of La Porte. “Everyone knows I love a little friendly competition,” he said. “But it’s even better when it benefits such a great cause.”

Mayor Nelson Deuitch said, “My family and I have always supported The Salvation Army – whether by donating, hosting fundraisers, serving on the board – because it’s a good cause. I’m excited to support them now in this fun, new way, and I love the fact that our City employees are getting involved. I look forward to doing this event annually.”

“This ‘Red Kettle Ring Off’ could not come at a better time for us because right now we are slightly down in fundraising as we work toward our campaign goal,” said Major Charles Pinkston, who oversees The Salvation Army of La Porte with his wife, Major Katie Pinkston. “Funds raised by Mayor Dermody in La Porte could help us achieve our campaign goal so we can continue offering services to those in need.”

Both Salvation Army locations have experienced an increase in requests for service over the past few years, with more La Porte County residents struggling in a challenging economy. Funds raised through The Salvation Army Christmas Campaign help serve local families with food and toys for the holidays and will support programs throughout the year.

Major Becky Simmons, who oversees The Salvation Army of Michigan City with her husband, Major Dale Simmons, said campaign funds are crucial to maintain this high level of service to families in need. “We are grateful that Mayor Angie is such a wonderful advocate for The Salvation Army, and takes time to support our mission,” she said. “It’s been a challenging year for all of us, and we appreciate the help we have received from the community.”

Those interested in ringing a bell for The Salvation Army can sign up to ring in Michigan City or La Porte by visiting www.RegisterToRing.com. Red kettles will be out through December 24. More information about the programs and services offered at The Salvation Army can be found at www.samichigancity.org or www.salaporte.org.