Red Kettle Campaign Falls Short Of Goal

ST. CLOUD -- The red kettles may gone but the Salvation Army is still hoping to reach their fundraising goal.

The St. Cloud Salvation Army raised just over $185,000, which is about $20,000 short of their goal of $205,000.

Laura Douvier is the Community Outreach and Special Events Coordinator. She says while they are not out their bell ringing, they are still accepting donations to go towards their campaign for a few more days.

"Our Christmas collection goes until January 16th, so if we could get in some more donations before then, that would be amazing."

Douvier says there were several factors that played into the fundraising shortage including lack of volunteer bell ringers and the colder temperatures at the end of the year.

As a way to thank all the volunteers, the Salvation Army is holding a special chili dinner Thursday.

"We are having an open house at the Salvation Army Shelter. We are holding and Chili open house for all the volunteers that helped this year."

The open house runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you would like to donate to the organization you can mail a donation at The Salvation Army Corps Building, 400 Highway 10 South.

Douvier says they are already planning for next year's Red Kettle Campaign.