The mayor, a children choir and state senators were there. Regional coordinator Major Kendal Mathews says the Salvation Army started this campaign a week before in Jefferson City because they felt the need in Mid-Missouri

"Right now there is a bigger need for humane services. People are saying we are completely out with the recession but we are not yet. There are still problems there are still issues and the need of helping people is still up."

The campaign will start Friday the 13th in Columbia. The Army is hoping to collect the same amount as last year, that is to say at least half a million dollars in Mid-Missouri. The campaign will last up to Christmas Eve. © Copyright 2012, KBIA