The goal to raise $7,560 for two semitrailers loaded with Hy-Vee bottled water for residents of the Duluth area has been achieved.

Al Weisert, manager of the Hy-Vee store in Albert Lea, reported Tuesday that $8,000 had been raised on a second trailer filled with water departs Wednesday morning. The first trailer arrived in Duluth at the end of June.

Bottled water has been necessary for helping victims of that city’s June flooding and victims of floods throughout the Duluth area. In fact, the heaviest damage occurred in Carlton County, Duluth’s neighbor to the south.

Weisert was glad the drive could deliver two truckloads.

“Thanks for all your support another amazing feat by the folks in southern Minnesota,” he said.

The effort is the brainchild of Todd Kriewall, part owner of Crossroads Trailer and a friend of Weisert. He had read a news story about the Salvation Army’s need for water in Duluth, called Weisert and proposed providing the trailers. Dan DeBoer of Pro Trucking offered to provide the tractor and to drive the trailers to where the Salvation Army needs it.

Capt. Jim Brickson of the Salvation Army said bottled water is always in high demand in any disaster.