Although Salvation Army bells won’t be ringing at Target stores this holiday seasons as a result of a newly enforced no-solicitation policy for the ministry, it will be kicking off its kettle drive this year to the sound of Destiny’s Child. The popular singing trio will perform at the Army’s 2004 National Kettle Kick off which takes place during the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day half-time show.

Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Willliams of Destiny’s Child will perform “Soldier” and “Lose My Breath,” two of the group’s new songs from their upcoming album Destiny Fulfilled, as part of the Cowboys seven-year half-time tradition of kicking off the Kettle fundraiser. This year, the show will broadcast nationally on CBS.

“Each year our Thanksgiving Day half-time show gets bigger and better,” said Jerry Jones, Cowboys Owner and General Manager. “The combination of sports, entertainment, and a live national television audience is powerful – we are proud that this half-time show has become a holiday tradition, and has helped The Salvation Army raise the dollars to help so many needy people in this country.”

“It is so thrilling to be part of this year’s National Kettle Kick Off,” said Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child. “We’re going to put on a great show and get people excited about helping The Salvation Army this year – with so many people in need, it is really important to find those kettles and donate what you can this holiday season.”

The Salvation Army raises approximately 70 percent of its annual income from Kettle drive. Last year, the ministry raised $93 million, which was used by its 9,000 centers to help around 33 million people in need.

However, according to the Army reports, funds that provide food for the hungry and other social services may be less this year since Kettle bell-ringers will not be allowed to fundraise at Target stores. Additionally, the Salvation Army’s resources have been severely exhausted from assisting thousands of hurricane victims in Florida.

“Money donated to The Salvation Army Red Kettles is critical,” said Commissioner W. Todd Bassett, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “Salvation Army units across the country rely on these donations to help people in their community throughout the year. More donations mean more people helped – and we’re continually seeing an increase in demand for our services.”

Kettle donations can also be made online at 1800SALARMY.ORG. Donations to local Salvation Army can be made at the ministry’s Web site, www.salvationarmyusa.org , or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.