The Texas County Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign raised $24,110 during the 2015 holiday season, according to local Salvation Army director Bennie Cook.
The figure was the second-highest ever – behind last year’s total of $25,657 – despite the campaign being a week shorter this year.
“We definitely appreciate the volunteers and donors who helped us collect this much money,” Cook said. “We would likely have beaten last year if we had another week.”
Money raised in the campaign goes toward Back to School Fairs, GED expenses, assisting Texas County Food Pantry clients with transportation issues, utilities, rent and housing assistance and other expenses that help county families in need.
Cook said this year’s goal was $27,500.
“We might as well shoot high,” he said. “But you never know – that extra week might have put us there.”
For more information about the Salvation Army, or to volunteer, call 417-967-4484.