The Jefferson City Salvation Army Thursday kicked off its holiday Red Kettle Campaign at Schnuck's on Missouri Blvd.

Sen. Carl Vogel and the Lewis and Clark Middle School choir were on hand for the celebration.

Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers also made a special guest appearance.

Salvation Army officials say this holiday season is no different than last year's. The need is up and every little bit in the red kettles will help.

"We know that the economy hasn't turned for the good yet," says Salvation Army Jefferson City/Columbia Regional Coordinator Major Kendall Mathews. "But we know that people will dig a little deeper and that's what we're asking people to do this year, just dig a little deeper and think about those in need."

The Salvation Army announced their fundraising goal for the Jefferson City area; its $190,000.

But Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr thinks the Capital City can do better than that and has challenged residents.

"We set the bar a little higher," says Landwehr. "The Salvation Army is pretty confident that they can do $190,000. I think $200,000 is a nice round number and I think we can do it."

You can find red kettles to drop your donation money into all around Jefferson City.

Donations sites include: both Gerbes locations, Hobby Lobby, Hy-Vee, K-Mart, JCPenneys, Schnucks, Schulte's, both Walgreens locations, Westlakes, and Mosers in Holts Summit.