St. Joe County Salvation Army nearing red kettle fundraising goal

The St. Joseph County Salvation Army has until Christmas Eve to reach its red kettle fundraising goal – and it’s close!

As of Dec. 12, St. Joseph County has collected roughly $85,000 through the red kettle campaign this year, according to a press release from the local Salvation Army.

Bell ringers have been out throughout the holiday season raising money for local families in need.

In St. Joseph County, the goal is to raise $110,000 this year.

The third annual “Red Kettle Ring-Off” between South Bend and Mishawaka on Giving Tuesday helped raise almost $3,000 this year.

And that gold coin that was put in a kettle at Sam’s Club in Mishawaka added more than $1,000 to the pot.

All the money donated will stay in St. Joseph County and will help families in need this Christmas season and throughout 2016.

Though the Salvation Army usually credits snowy weather with helping bring in donations, local officials said the warm winter weather Michana has seen this year has actually been a treat for the bell ringers, and donations have not been impacted.

You have until Christmas Eve to pop some loose change in the red kettles near you.