NORTH LIMA, Ohio - The iconic sound of sleigh bells will return to sidewalks and storefronts for the 134th year in a row. The Salvation Army of Mahoning County kicked off its 2025 Red Kettle effort Saturday morning at Sheely's Furniture in North Lima.

While the event's atmosphere was cheery, it came at a time of great need for local charities. Amid the ongoing government shutdown and issues with delayed SNAP benefits, area coordinator Paul Moore told 21 News the Salvation Army's food pantry has seen a 105% increase in visitors this month.

"People are desperate for food," Moore said. "We normally have about 25, 30 — we had 70 people this week. We had to turn people away because we just don't have the staff and the time. We said, 'You have to come next week.'"

According to Moore, this ye

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