Donation surge pushes Salvation Army past 2010 fundraising goal

With a surge in year-end giving, The Cedar Rapids Salvation Army has now surpassed its 2010 Christmas fundraising goal of $668,000 by just over $4,500, Salvation Army officials announced today.

The count to date is $672,510.40, with funds yet to be totaled.

Kettles finished strong with two $20,000-plus days on Thursday, Dec. 23 and Friday, Dec. 24. A new single-day collection record was set Dec. 23 at $22,335.94. The prior record of $20,526.29 was hit Christmas Eve of 2009.

Red kettle efforts as a whole also set a new fundraising record. A total of $294,160.20 was collected through bell ringing at area retailers from Nov. 16 through Dec. 24. The prior record of $278,526.92 was set in 2009. Weather issues caused kettle concerns throughout the campaign.

The total campaign goal is comprised of red kettle fundraising and other collections efforts. While the bells stop ringing Christmas Eve, mail, walk-in, phone and online donations are processed and credited toward the campaign goal into January. Last year's total count was a record at $687,451.11. Breaking this record is well within reach.

For more information on how you can support The Salvation Army, call 319-364-9131 or visit

www.tsacedarrapids.org