ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Salvation Army of Belmont County’s motto is “doing the most good,” and that’s just what Maj. Tim Higgins is hoping to do this holiday season as the organization kicks off its annual Red Kettle drive and Angel Tree program.

But they can’t do it alone. They are hoping Ohio Valley residents will come out and pick an Angel Tree tag for a child in need of Christmas presents, or place some change in a red kettle manned by a bell ringer at local stores this season.

Higgins and his wife, Maj. Connie Higgins, are the new commanders of the Salvation Army based in Bellaire. They began their duties in June.

Thursday’s kickoff was held at the Ohio Valley Mall’s main concourse, where the army’s Angel Tree is located along with its present-wrapping station.

“This is our first Christmas here so we’re really excited,” he said. “The mall is very generous and provides us with two locations.”

Higgins said the army is set to help 317 families with food assistance and a total of 753 children with toys. The deadline to turn in Angel Tree tag presents back at the mall is Dec. 19, he said.

As part of the kick-off the army’s brass band played Christmas songs as shoppers stopped to watch and listen. Mall Manager George Diab gave the ceremonial first donation to the red kettle nearby. Higgins said the army hopes to raise $95,000.

“I’m excited to see Christmas happen here,” Higgins told the crowd. “Our communities are being hit right now with serious food insecurity issues, and the Salvation Army is here to say, we’re here to help. We’re asking for your help to make this happen. We’re asking for your help to make our goal this year or go beyond our goal of $95,000 for Christmas.”

He noted the funding helps run the army’s emergency shelter in Bellaire in addition to buying food and toys at Christmastime for those who signed up for assistance.

“As it gets cold that shelter is going to fill up and it’s going to be completely filled,” he said. “Our food pantry is being hit more and more and asked of more and more by people who are suffering right now with food insecurity.”

Higgins described Belmont County as a “generous and giving place.”

“I’m asking you to be generous again this year,” he said.

Higgins said for those who do not have cash on them, the bell ringing stations have a QR code on their signage that will allow people to make an online donation right from their cell phones.

“You scan that and you can make a donation right there. … Every dollar comes back to Bellaire and Belmont County,” he said. “That is something to be proud of. … As you are doing your shopping and you see a bell ringer, give them some encouragement but also help fill those red kettles. … Merry Christmas, everyone.”

Meanwhile, the mall also announced that Santa Claus is set to make his first appearance on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and after he will be at the mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day during the season. Saturday’s Santa arrival will include cookies, cocoa, games and more at the Boscov’s Court.