Metro news for Friday

The New Baptist Covenant II -- a  gathering of theologically- and racially-diverse Baptists -  will meet in Atlanta through Saturday.

The meeting will bring participants together physically and virtually. It will be available through satellite feeds at eight viewing sites across the nation. There will also be church-based gatherings using video streaming.

Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church will be the anchor site, which includes worship services and breakout sessions. At least 1,000 people are expected to attend in Atlanta with thousands more tuning in virtually or having their own rallies, according to the Rev. Jimmy R. Allen, co-chairman of the New Baptist Covenant II. He said the meeting will encourage people to help the poor and become more active in their communities as well as to fight against injustice. SHELIA POOLE

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The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety's annual November seat belt enforcement campaign for Click It Or Ticket is in full swing.

Highway travelers this Thanksgiving are reminded that seat belts have saved more lives than any other piece of automotive safety equipment.

During the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2009, 303 people died in traffic crashes nationwide. Research shows when seat belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent. ANDRIA SIMMONS

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Time to get the bells ringing.

Beginning Friday, Kroger stores throughout the Atlanta division will host The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign runs through Dec. 24 and will include stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama.

Volunteer bell ringers will help raise money to provide toys for children, meals for the hungry, coats for the homeless and to help areas experiencing natural disasters.

Last year, the campaign  raised nearly $1.1 million at Kroger's Atlanta Division stores. Every dollar donated by Kroger customers will remain within the communities in which the donations were raised. SHELIA POOLE

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