When times are tough, those who can give, give more.

That couldn't have been more true for The Salvation Army this year as their 2009 Kettle Campaign exceeded everyone's expectations, Salvation Army Capt. Danielle Shields, said.

"We know we are well over our goal this year," Shields said as counting for final totals was taking place Thursday afternoon.

By 5 p.m. Thursday evening, the final total was in - more than $124,000, exceeding the organizations fundraising goal of $105,000 by nearly $20,000.

"We're still looking forward to receiving some of our year end donations," Shields said. "So it will end up being more."

Even with fewer bell ringers, Shields said the outcome couldn't have been better.

"The 4-H clubs really pulled through for us this year," she said. "And Fort Dodge Senior High, Rotary, Kiwanis, fire departments and the Manson Northwest Webster Honor Society came out and rang this year and did a wonderful job."

While some Salvation Army across the state came up short due to weather and have extended bell ringing through the end of the year, Shields said the few days of bad weather earlier this month didn't have much of an effect on the final totals in Webster County.

"We had to stop early more than ever this year," she said. "Usually, we ring from 9 to 9 but had a few days where it was only 9 to 5 and a day where we weren't able to ring at all. In the four years I have been here at Christmas we have never had to do that."

Overall, Shields and the volunteers and staff at The Salvation Army were pleased with the outcome and are ready to help the community in 2010 using the funds raised.

"We have an amazing community," Shields said. "Giving was excellent this year. When this community sees a need they really pull together to help. About 83 cents of every dollar goes back into the community. We have very little overheard cost, so we use most of what we raise to help others. That's what I really love about The Salvation Army, we're always helping others."

Contact Emilie Nelson at (515) 573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net