Salvation Army surpasses fundraising goal

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Salvation Army Mahoning County Area Services surpassed its 2013 Red Kettle fundraising goal of $320,000.

With the support of volunteer groups, area churches, civic organizations, local schools, sports teams, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, art clubs, local businesses, private donors and ordinary citizens, the organization raised $327,850.

This total includes sponsorship pledges not yet received; the total may increase pending additional designated donations/sponsorship dollars that have not been received, said Salvation Army officials.

A new kettle sponsorship initiative implemented by the organization over the last two years was a key in meeting this year’s goal. The kettle sponsorship program generated more than $51,000 in kettle donations, said Maj. Elijah Kahn, area coordinator of Salvation Army Mahoning County Area Services.

Kettle donations sustain the year-round programs and services provided by the Salvation Army. All the money contributed locally stays in the county to provide Christmas assistance and yearly essential services to the needy.

“We are blessed to be part of a generous and caring community that wants the best for all of its citizens,” Maj. Kahn said. “Residents of the [Mahoning] Valley came through for us as they always do to push us to the finish line. We are thankful for their support.”