Although the bell ringing and red kettles of the Salvation Army may be finished for the season, it's not too late to make a donation to the organization for 2008.

The third annual Kettle Campaign, which kicked off on Nov 15, will run through Jan. 1, said Salvation Army Capt. Danielle Shields.

This years fundraising goal was $115,000. On Wednesday afternoon, an estimated $103,000 had been raised, just $12,000 short of the goal for 2008.

"We are very hopeful that within the coming week we will get even closer to our goal," Shields said. "We're anticipating that people will be putting in their year-end tax deductible donations."

Approximately $55,000; or roughly 40 percent of the Salvation Army's annual income was raised this year through the red kettles that set outside of 12 local businesses. The rest will come from donations that are brought by individuals, or mailed in through the "mail appeal" mailers.

The funds help to provide social services, the Compassion Kitchen, utility, rent and medical assistance; back-to-school night and the annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Even in spite of the recent economic crisis, Shields said that giving has been good this year.

"When times are tough, people give," she said. "We got off to a slow start, but the giving went up and we are grateful."

This year, several larger donations were found in the red kettles around Fort Dodge - $4,000 in $100 bills.

"We have been overwhelmed with everyone's support this year," said Shields. "We really want to thank everyone for giving, and for those who rang bells; taking time from their days to stand in the cold to make this possible. We look forward to a new year and serving the community in the future."

Contact Emilie Nelson at 573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net