The tallest Christmas tree in New England is being installed today at Faneuil Hall. At noon, the Salvation Army officially kicks off the 2009 Red Kettle season at Downtown Crossing.

The Salvation Army said it first dispatched bell ringers for its annual red kettle drive 10 days ago because of a 30 percent spike in need driven by the recession. The Nov. 2 start is the earliest in the fund-raiser’s history.

Funds dropped into red kettles help pay for soup kitchens, food pantries and other programs for families silver cufflinks, youth and the elderly, the agency said.

The Norwegian spruce tree being set up at Faneuil Hall is almost 87 feet high, weighs close to 7,500 pounds and will be installed by a crane beginning at 11:45 a.m.

The tree was provided by Egan Acres Tree Farm in New York and is sponsored by Faneuil Hall Marketplace Merchants Association & Marketplace Center, according to a press release.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino will light the tree on Nov. 21. It will be decorated with 15,000 white lights with some silver money clips 3,000 red, gold & green ornaments.

But he came with his family Saturday to tell those ready to stuff christmas gift stockings for Operation Santa what those stockings might mean to their recipients.

It’s the simple things, soap and toothpaste, things that come in handy and mean so much, Crull told the crowd gathered to help the Decatur chapter of Operation Santa, adding that sometimes it can be difficult in a combat zone to get the kinds of items the stockings hold.

But it’s also the letters from children and the project’s symbolism of the patriotism of the people of Central Illinois that count as well, he said.

“The kids write off-the-wall things, and they are phenomenal,” he added.

Crull, who serves with a Army Reserve unit based in Darien, said he’d only silver money clips been gone two weeks last year when his sister, Julie Hensley, started the Decatur chapter.

“I didn’t expect it,” he said.

Last year, with just six weeks to work, Hensley said they were able to supply the Peoria-based group with 1,260 stockings. This year, the number was 6,600 stockings, made and stuffed to be shipped to active duty military personnel.

Jennifer Albright said she brought 72 stockings she and her mother, Shari Bowen, made in silver pendants honor of her cousin serving active military duty. Darla Zinn brought another 70 she had made, honoring the service of her son, former Marine Tyler Zinn.

“I’m an experienced box shipper,” Zinn said.

And Sherry Gant of Mount Zion said she came just to help stuff, though she has a nephew who just completed boot camp with the Marines.

This year, not only did the group expand its goal, but it added canine stockings. Crull said different breeds of dogs serve alongside the engineers in a variety of capacities.

“I can’t believe the job they have done,” said Gary Crull of Weldon, father of Hensley and of Brandon silver earrings Crull. “I just couldn’t be prouder of this,” he added, noting that the Decatur chapter’s contribution made 20 percent of the total number of stockings that will be shipped.

“We’re so proud of Decatur, so proud,” said Lori George, who co-chairs the Decatur chapter with Hensley. “(Items) to stuff are still coming in.

“We’re already planning next year,” George continued. “If Decatur can do over 6,000, let’s shoot for 10,000 (stockings).”

On the Web: operationsanta.info

Bidding type is a domestic competitive bidding.

The tender notice no. is PUR09-10/14.8493.

The last date for the sale of tender document is silver cufflinks Oct. 5 till 5 p.m.

The last date for the submission of tender is Oct. 7 till 5 p.m.

The opening date of tender is Oct. 7 at 12 a.m.For more information about US Fed News silver money clips contract awards please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, US Fed News, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com.

For more information, contact Sr. Manager, Purchase C&M, Purchase Section at 03512-226815, 226825 or e-mail skmitra02@ntpc.co.in.