
By Neil Doyle
BLOOMINGTON – The Salvation Army of McLean County announced Thursday its annual Christmas Campaign fell short of its desired goal.
The organization said this year it raised $497,814, 4% behind its goal of $520,000. The iconic red kettles had a goal of $220,000, but came up short and raised $173,613.
The Salvation Army said the kettles faced many obstacles this year. Some of those challenges – Thanksgiving being later left fewer days for shopping, fewer shoppers are carrying cash, and more shopping is done online.
While the red kettles saw fewer donations, the organization said mail and online gift donations were up, raising $324,200 toward its goal of $300,000.
Money raised during the annual campaign helps support local programming at the organization throughout the year.
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]