At a time when the need for services is greater than in years past, the Albert Lea community has again stepped up to the plate to fill the need.

That’s what the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s local leaders are saying about the results of their 2009 red-kettle campaign.

Local Capt. Jim Brickson announced Monday the Albert Lea community raised almost $196,000 during the local organization’s 2009 Christmas campaign, surpassing its $172,000 goal for the year.

The campaign officially ended Jan. 15.

Brickson said with the results of the campaign, the Salvation Army will be able to maintain its services it has provided to the community. With the nature of the economy, the funds are critical because of the influx of basic needs and rising unemployment.

“We’re just so appreciative that during these hard economic times people dug deep into their pockets to help the less fortunate,” Capt. Lee Brickson said. “We will help as many people as we can in the best way we can.”

She said the Salvation Army staff and volunteers appreciate the giving nature of the people in the community. The donations give the organization the tools to help others.

Last year, the organization saw a major increase in people needing food from the food pantry, had to provide more rental assistance and assisted more people who were unemployed.

Because of this, the 2009 goal was about $40,000 higher than 2008 goal of $134,000. The campaign goal was also an immediate solution to the $25,000 deficit of funds that drive the social services and other services of the local Salvation Army.

To be able to better help fill the need in the future, Jim Brickson said the organization is also looking at ways to streamline some of its programs and staff to be more efficient.

All funds raised through the campaign help the organization with myriad assistance programs for the community, including 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.

The Salvation Army can be reached at 373-5710.