It's once again time for the carol of bells that signal the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign.

"When they put change in," said Captian Chuck Yockey, "change comes out."

Friday, a full week earlier than last year, the organization will officially kick of the effort to raise $530,000.

"It's been happening earlier and earlier," Yockey said. "We have a lot of money to raise and only a short month to do it. So this extra week will help us."

A lot of money is an understatement.

The Topeka organization has never tried to raise this much money before.

"One of two things has to happen when you prepare a budget," Yockey said. "You have to increase your income or cut your spending. We've cut all the corners that we could, so we began to look for additional sources of income."

Yockey said the money may seem like a lot, but this year the Salvation Army has been hit with a record amount of need.

In Emporia, the organization expects more than 400 families to sign-up for assistance this year.

"We're noticing in our economy, people being laid off and people needing extra assistance with food and utilities and rent," Yockey said. "When those things happen, they come to the Salvation Army because they know we're here."

Yockey said he isn't worried about the huge goal.

Topeka usually exceeds the goals they set, but Yockey says his faith is helping him most.

"I believe in God First," He said. "At my board meeting last month, one of my board members asked me, 'Do I have a plan B?' and I said, 'Not yet. God's gonna take care of us and I believe in the people of Topeka.'"