The Salvation Army in Aberdeen has set a goal of $135,000 for its annual Tree of Lights Red Kettle Challenge.

That compares to a goal of $120,000 last Christmas season, which was surpassed by about $1,000, said Capt. Dave Mowers of the Aberdeen organization.

He revealed the new goal on Friday at a kickoff luncheon attended by about 200. Mowers also announced that $11,300 of this season's goal has already been donated, leaving $123,700 to raise.

Progress toward the goal will be displayed at the Tree of Lights on the northeast side of the intersection of Sixth Avenue Southwest and South Second Street. The Salvation Army uses the funds for a variety of programs that help people in need.

Bell-ringers will now begin the long-standing tradition of standing next to red kettles at various businesses in hopes of encouraging passers-by to give to the cause.

"Keep smiling at people," luncheon speaker Don Meyer of Aberdeen encouraged the bell-ringers who attended. "You've got to have a love for people to do this. Be nice, even when they don't give money."

Meyer is head men's basketball coach at Northern State University in Aberdeen. Some people walking by the red kettles might be dealing with serious personal problems, he said. Encountering a smiling bell-ringer "might change their day, their life," Meyer said.

"It's not about how much money can be raised," he said. "It's about how many people can be helped."

Recognitions: At the luncheon, Mowers presented the annual local awards in honor of outstanding volunteer service given to The Salvation Army during the current year. Recipients are:

--Volunteer Organization of the Year: Roncalli High School.

--Volunteer Church of the Year: North Highland United Methodist Church.

--Volunteer of the Year: Pat Cantwell.

Carlyle Richards and Ka P. Squire Jr. were also honored for their years of service by being named lifetime members of the Aberdeen organization's board of directors. And Kathryn Cormier of Aberdeen was introduced as honorary chairwoman of the Christmas effort.