FARGO – Crediting the community’s generosity, Salvation Army officials announced Wednesday that the annual Red Kettle Campaign surpassed its fundraising goal this year.
The bell ringing campaign from Nov. 14 to Dec. 24 brought in about $890,000, topping the group’s goal of $870,000. Last year, the campaign yielded a little more than $850,000.
Honorary chairman and former longtime mayor of Moorhead Morrie Lanning made the announcement Wednesday morning and commended both volunteers and contributors for “showing forth again.”
There were about 5,000 volunteers who worked about 7,000 hours over the course of the campaign, said volunteer and community relations manager Kimberly Wagner.
Salvation Army Maj. Elaine Medlock said the organization would use the funds to add a receptionist to their staff and replace tables in the dining room.
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Her husband, Maj. Byron Medlock, added that the organization had hired a new case worker in January, for a total of two, and would be doubling the number of people they could see for appointments.
Elaine Medlock commended the Fargo area, saying it can be scary to rely on community support for funding, “but not in this community.” Her husband echoed that.
“This community has demonstrated that we’re there to help people in need,” he said.
