Organization seeks $243,500

Salvation Army organizations across the state — including the one in Albert Lea — on Sunday kicked off their annual Christmas campaigns.

The local organization’s goal this year is $243,500, said Albert Lea Capt. Jim Brickson. This is up $32,000 from the goal for 2013.

“The necessity of raising our goal was based upon grants that were expected that didn’t come through,” Brickson said. “We have to make up for that deficit.”

All funds raised go to help the Salvation Army provide myriad services to the community, including temporary shelter, rental and fuel assistance, a food pantry and budget counseling to help families achieve economic independence, among others.

“It’s extremely necessary that we make our goal,” Brickson said.

He said the goal represents about 25 percent of the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s yearly income.

Aside from the Christmas campaign, last year the organization was short $192,000 overall and had to cut several positions because of it, Brickson said.

Though his staff will always try to do the best they can with the money available, he said having a deficit affects what they are able to do in the community.

“We do the best to provide the most we can,” he said.

Volunteers will begin ringing bells on Friday and Saturday the next two weekends and then after that from Black Friday each day through Dec. 24.

Brickson asked people to consider volunteering at one of the five locations around town: Shopko, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Marketplace Foods and Northbridge Mall.

“It’s imperative that we fill these spots up,” he said. “Every shift we miss out on is potential income for these programs.”

He said ringing the bells is a good opportunity for families, businesses or other organizations to come together.

People who would like to get involved in the kettle campaign or to volunteer ringing bells can call 507-373-5710, stop by in person or register online at www.thesalarmy.org/albertlea.

At the site, click “Register to Ring,” which will ask volunteers to set up their own account by entering an e-mail address and password.

From there, people can select a day, time and location they wish to volunteer. After making the selection online, a confirmation email will be sent back.

The Salvation Army is at 302 Court St.