The Albert Lea Salvation Army exceeded its 2010 Christmas campaign goal by at least $12,000, local Salvation Army Capt. Jim Brickson said this week.

As of the end of last week, the Freeborn County community had donated $198,000 to the campaign. Contributions came in the form of red kettle donations, online donations, mail appeal donations and direct donations made by people who came to the local headquarters. Donations were also collected from kettles placed on the counters of businesses in the community.

Brickson said the organization is still adding up a few last-minute mail appeal donations.

“I’m extremely grateful for the outpouring of the community,” Brickson said. “A lot can be said for the way the community believes in what we do.”

This is the second year the Salvation Army has raised more than $190,000.

In 2009, it raised almost $196,000, surpassing its goal of $172,000.

In 2010, the goal was raised to $186,000 because of increased need. This was the highest-ever goal for the organization.

Brickson said as the organization looks to the future, it will use the funds donated in the best way it can to meet the needs of the community.

All funds raised through the campaign help the organization with myriad assistance programs for the community, including after-school and summer day-care programs, temporary shelter, rental and fuel assistance, a food pantry, emergency services and budget counseling to help families achieve economic independence, among others.

Brickson said the Salvation Army is in need of volunteers for its food pantry and meal site. Volunteers keep overhead costs low.

For more information or to volunteer, contact the Salvation Army at 373-5710.