The Albert Lea Salvation Army surpassed its 2008 Christmas campaign goal by almost $25,000, Salvation Army Capt. Jim Brickson said Monday.

After adding in the last of the mail appeal donations that came in through Jan. 15, Brickson said the organization raised about $159,000. The goal was $134,000.

That means the local Salvation Army raised about $4,000 more than last year, he said.

“I’m very pleased with the community for their support during a financial downturn,” said Chris Mishler, the 2008 Albert Lea Salvation Army Christmas chairman.

In the kettle portion of the campaign, about $60,000 was raised, while the goal was $52,000.

For the portion of the campaign that includes mail appeal donations and gift-in-kind donations almost $100,000 was raised. The goal was $81,000.

Mishler said it meant a lot to him to see how much was raised. All of the money will go to help many people throughout Freeborn County.

Assistance programs offered by the Albert Lea Salvation Army include programs such as after-school and summer day-care programs for low-income families, temporary shelter, rental and fuel assistance, a food pantry and budget counseling to help families achieve economic independence.