Legendary Bears Coach Mike Ditka Helping Lead Salvation Army Campaign

The Salvation Army launched the 2015 Christmas campaign on Friday with help from legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka.

The organization chose Ditka to serve as The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division’s 2015 Christmas campaign honorary chairperson.

“I have always had the utmost respect for The Salvation Army and the work that it does throughout Chicagoland, across the country and around the world,” Ditka said in a statement posted by The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army’s Metropolitan Division serves the greater Chicago area, northern Illinois, and northwest Indiana.

This holiday season, The Salvation Army has set a goal to raise $17 million throughout the campaign. The agency receives almost 70 percent of its yearly donations during the annual Christmas campaign.

Money raised benefits local holiday programs and helps support those in need throughout the year, according to The Salvation Army.

During the 2014 holiday season, The Salvation Army helped more than 105,000 people in the Chicago area, according to the organization.

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The iconic Salvation Army red kettles can be seen throughout Chicago through December 24.