Salvation Army' of McLean County's Jerry Troxel (left) and Steve Schroeder (right) say the red kettle campaign needs a major push in the week before Christmas to reach its goal. (Photo by Laura Ewan/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - Salvation Army bell ringers need your help to reach their goal.

The annual red kettle campaign in McLean County is only halfway toward its goal of $430,000. That includes a $220,000 target for red kettle collections and $210,000 in the mail campaign.

Salvation Army of McLean County Board member Jerry Troxel said he understands why many are being cautious with their money this year.

"I think it's an overall trend with the economy. You don't know how much in taxes you are going to have to pay. I think this kind of resonates in people's minds, job situations that people are in," Troxel said.

Bell ringers will be out at 26 locations in Bloomington-Normal through Christmas Eve.

The Salvation Army is also offering a kettle match program where a donor can set a limit on how much they would be willing to match what's collected at a kettle. 

You can get more information at www.sabloomington.org or volunteer at www.ringbells.org.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.