When the traditional bells became silent, this year’s “Red Kettle Campaign” fell short nearly $1,800. Great promise of meeting this year’s goal was squashed by the unforeseen weather conditions. The weather also created opportunity not to allow the scheduled volunteer bell ringers to be present at their scheduled assignment. The unmet kettle goal was added to the overall goal.

With just a few weeks till the entire campaign is over The Salvation Army still needs to raise $26,000. With the kettle portion of this year’s fund drive over, the Salvation Army will continue its mail portion of the drive and will continue to receive funds that are delivered to their building. The entire campaign will come to a close on Jan. 15, 2010. It is not unusual to receive an influx of financial gift before the end of December, allowing the giver to get that last minute tax deduction for 2009.

The demand for services requested from the Salvation Army has driven the overall Christmas goal up to the amount of $171,820. This year’s goal is necessary in order to continue providing services at this rate.

Regardless of the outcome, The Salvation Army of Albert Lea will continue to provide services to residents of Freeborn County.

The campaign is close to over but the bell rings through out the year.

For more information call The Salvation Army at 373-5710.