The Albert Lea Salvation Army surpassed its 2013 Christmas goal, raising $312,000, according to the organization’s local leaders.

Albert Lea Capt. Jim Brickson said the organization hoped to raise $254,500.

“I’m just very grateful,” Brickson said. “We will keep moving forward and doing what we do.”

He said the organization had two unexpected events that helped push donations over the top.

The first was a bell-ringing challenge, where Brickson broke a previous world record of ringing a bell for more than 80 consecutive hours and tied at 105 hours with two others across the country.

The event, which he called Stand up for Freeborn County, garnered national attention for Albert Lea. Brickson hoped the event would raise awareness of the organization and its volunteers.

In the end, it raised more than $35,000.

On the heels of the bell-ringing challenge, a small group of anonymous donors announced they would contribute $2 million in matching funds that doubled all donations given in Minnesota and North Dakota on Dec. 20 and 21.

Donations given at a red kettle, online, by phone, by mail or in person were included, and for the local Salvation Army, that meant the opportunity for $25,000.

Adding in the match, the local Salvation Army raised $61,000 during those two days.

“What a fun journey this Christmas has been,” Brickson said. “I’m very appreciative of our community.”

Money raised goes to support local families in need of food, temporary shelter, rental and fuel assistance and budget counseling to help families achieve economic independence, to name a few.

He said the Christmas campaign represents 25 percent of the organization’s overall fundraising.