With the help of a $25,000 match, the Albert Lea Salvation Army raised about $61,000 on Friday and Saturday.

The money raised will go toward the organization’s $254,500 Christmas campaign goal.

“I can’t even hardly fathom it,” said local Capt. Jim Brickson. “I’m very grateful.”

As of Christmas Eve, the Albert Lea Salvation Army was about $37,000 shy of its overall goal. It has until Jan. 15 to conclude its campaign.

Brickson said the donations from the two-day match — along with the more than $40,000 given earlier this month during his bell-ringing challenge — show how giving the Albert Lea community is.

“Our motto this year was stand up for Freeborn County,” Brickson said. “We stood up and did some great work. I think it’s great that we’re making a statement.”

On the heels of the bell-ringing challenge, a small group of anonymous donors announced last week they would contribute $2 million in matching funds that doubled all donations given in Minnesota and North Dakota over the two days. Donations given at a red kettle, online, by phone or in person were included, and for the local Salvation Army, that meant the opportunity for $25,000.

Brickson said while the increased donations will put the organization on track to achieve its campaign goal, it still has some work to do in the next few weeks.

Brickson said regardless of what happens, he is grateful for the community’s kindness and generosity, and he is glad that the rest of the world got to see this kindness during the bell-ringing challenge that was streamed live online.

“For that five days, the world got to experience what we do every day,” he said.

Brickson said he still receives phone calls and emails from people around the country inquiring about the challenge. He ultimately broke the previous world bell-ringing record of 80 hours and tied at 105 hours with two others.