With just nine days left in this year’s Christmas Red Kettle campaign, the Salvation Army in Freeborn County finds itself still dangerously behind in local cash and Angel Tree donations.

“I intentionally have not focused on the goal amount we are behind because I wanted to have our residents give from their hearts.” said Capt. Jim Brickson, pastor of the Albert Lea Citadel, in a news release. “I have intentionally focused on volunteerism and the need for bell ringers, Angel Tree and food service workers. I still believe in my heart that if we as a community come together and pitched in, the Christmas goals will be reached.”

The overall Christmas goal is comprised of more than just the kettles alone, the release states. The kettle portion represents $67,500 of an overall goal of $186,000. The traditional Christmas kettles can be found until Christmas Eve and generally come out the day after Thanksgiving. The remaining $118,500 comprises mostly the $74,000 received in response to direct mailings in the community. This money is collected at the local Salvation Army Citadel until the closing of business on Dec. 31 of each year.

The overall Christmas goal is reaching 36.5 percent of the proposed goal. The Christmas kettles are $40,139 behind the proposed goal of the $67,500 needed to help meet the needs of Freeborn County residents this budget year. As a partner agency of Freeborn County, the Salvation Army is known for providing that unmet need not to be out done by any other. “We are not the Lone Ranger here, even as Freeborn County depends on the Salvation Army, the Salvation Army counts on the generous support of Freeborn County,” continued Brickson.

A total of 432 families and 798 children will be recipients of this year’s Christmas effort. Toys and food distribution is quickly approaching and are also behind in donations.

Capt. Lee Brickson, Christmas distribution coordinator, commented on the growing population of first time users of the Salvation Army programs. “I only desire to make a painful situation a little less painful. If only we can bring just one day as close to normal, whatever that is.

“Normal should be something more than a setting on a dryer,” she continued.

These services are not shadowed by the 20,000-plus pounds of food distributed through the food pantry, exceeding 350 hot meals and numerous other services provided only by The Salvation Army weekly.

Want to help?

• The Red Kettle Campaign runs through Dec. 24. Bell ringing locations are at Walmart, Shopko, Hy-Vee, Nelson’s Market Place, Northbridge Mall and Trail’s Travel Center. Bell ringers are needed at all locations.

• Angel Tree tags can be selected and gifts purchased for a girl or boy, age appropriate, and then returned to an Angel Tree location at Northbridge Mall, Walmart, Shopko and various area churches.

• Volunteers will be setting up the toy shop Friday and Saturday with distribution of toys to families in need Monday and Tuesday.

For more information or to volunteer, call The Salvation Army at 373-5710.