As the ting of the familiar Salvation Army bell becomes more distant the 2010 Salvation Army red kettle campaign winds down. Nearly $12,000 is still needed to meet the Red Kettle goal set by Salvation Army officials early in 2010. This desperate plea is not just for the kettle campaign but for the overall Christmas goal of $186,000. Still $56,000 remain in meeting the needed overall goal.

In 2009 the goal of $171,820 was crushed by the generosity of Freeborn County residents. The final amount of $195,640 was given to the local chapter of Freeborn County Salvation Army. Although a higher goal has been set the goal still represents less than what has been collected in the past. This year’s goal was set knowing the struggles that still remain in our community, the amount of services given and the excessive responses to disasters here in Freeborn County in months past.

Only 2 1/2 days of bell ringing remain in this year’s kettle campaign. Meeting this goal is more than possible. Salvation Army officials remain positive concerning this year’s goal and look at the areas of the campaign that could make or break this year’s goal. The Bricksons are making a last ditch plea of local residents to consider covering a few of the 76 open hours of available volunteer hours at the kettles and yet just as important please don’t pass a kettle without putting in just your pocket change. The next few days remember that change will make a change!

To volunteer to ring at an open location please call the Albert Lea Salvation Army at 373-5710.

The mission statement of the Salvation Army is in part “to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs without discrimination.” The Salvation Army will continue to “Meet the Un-met Need” and thanks the community for their needed support.

For more information please call the Salvation Army at 373-5710.