(top) Legendary Santa Monica Lifeguard and Kiwanian Art Verge rings the bell during Salvation Army's Red Kettle Day on Friday, December 4, 2009. (middle) Kiwanians Judy Barker (left) and Patty Loggins count donations at First Private Bank and Trust during Red Kettle Day on Friday, December 4, 2009. (above) Rotarian Nathaniel Trives tallies-up service clubs donations at First Private Bank and Trust during Red Kettle Day on Friday, December 4, 2009.

The Red Kettle campaign, the oldest annual charitable fundraiser of its kind in the United States helps raise money for those who need it most in communities nationwide - providing toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round.