GRAND FORKS — The Salvation Army held its 14th annual Big Ring fundraiser today, Dec. 4, at the south end Valley Dairy, 4701 S. Washington St.
The fundraiser pumped 9,000 gallons of gas, exceeding their goal of 7,000 gallons. Thanks to generous pledges from the community, The Salvation Army will receive $1.41 for every gallon.
That equals $12,690 for the red kettle campaign.
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The Grand Forks Police Department spent some time manning the gas pumps and the Firefighters Union dropped off a $1,000.
They said they're happy to brave the cold for a cause.
"We've been out here for an hour and a half, it's a little chilly but it's been actually really good," said volunteer Brandon Bina. "A lot of cars have showed up, we've pumped a lot of gas and it's been great!"
"It's just fun how the community gets together, once a year, no matter how cold it is," said Salvation Army board member Kay Derry. "We have the bell ringers and different organizations just helping out and pull together. So it's just awesome to be part of that."
Volunteers said the cherry on top was not having to work in a blizzard like previous years.
