The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge craze swept across the country this summer, raising millions of dollars for ALS research and bringing awareness to a once largely unknown disease. Starting Saturday for Vicksburg residents and businesses, there’s a new challenge in town.

The Salvation Army of Vicksburg, in conjunction with the Outlets of Vicksburg, has formally announced it is challenging the entire community to help raise $125,000 to meet the needs of the community.

“The Vicksburg Challenge was created as a creative way to help the Salvation Army of Vicksburg raise funds to meet their Red Kettle campaign goal of $125,000,” Outlets at Vicksburg marketing and special events manager Manivanh Chanprasith said. “It was also a way to bring the community of Vicksburg together for the holidays.”

The event will begin Saturday and continue through Dec. 13, where every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., people will be asked to ring the Salvation Army bell at the Outlets or donate to the charity.

“Taking the challenge is easy,” Chanprasith said. “All you have to do is choose to ring the Red Kettle bell for one hour on designated days at Outlets at Vicksburg or choose to donate to the red kettle, which will be at Outlets at Vicksburg. And if you can’t come out to do either, go online to donate at GoFundMe.com.”

Individuals in Vicksburg can issue challenges to others to ring the bell or donate at least $5, while businesses will be asked to donate at least $100.

Every person and business who agrees to accept the challenge will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Ten winners will be randomly selected from those who took the Vicksburg Challenge and announced Dec. 15.

To fill out an entry form, challengers can visit the mall office from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday though Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

“Once you take the challenge, we want to see it. Post a picture of you ringing the bell or donating to the red kettle on social media and use hashtag #VicksburgChallenge,” Chanprasith said. “As you post your picture, tag your friends who you want to take the challenge too. The more the merrier. We want to show everyone Vicksburg is a great community.”