The local Red Kettle Campaign - the biggest fundraiser for the year for the Salvation Army - got off to a slow start last year.

But enough volunteers stepped up and enough donations eventually came through, that the agency was able to exceed its goals for the season.

The community raised a total of $51,629.80 - exceeding the Salvation Army's goal by more than $5,000.

The revenue meant 1,420 people received holiday food baskets, toys, clothes and gifts, and tokens of love and appreciation were delivered to 693 nursing home residents.

The Auburn Salvation Army also served 190 meals at Thanksgiving and another 147 meals at Christmas.

Salvation Army Captain Michael Knepp and advisory board chair Robert Buschman said in a news release that the fundraising would not have been possible without the cooperation of businesses that allowed bell-ringers to visit; the organizations and churches that conducted food drives, rang bells, donated toys and participated in the Angel Tree Program; and the volunteers who assisted with dinners, food baskets, gifts and nursing home visits.

Knepp and Buschman pointed especially to George Cuthbert for his efforts at promoting the annual Christmas campaign this year and to the people at Community Computer, who supported the Salvation Army's efforts.

Because of the donations received this season, the Salvation Army food pantry will continue to be open five days a week.

The soup kitchen will continue providing hot meals every Sunday afternoon.

Emergency housing assistance will be available to families who have economic displacement and disasters such as fires, and to transients who are stranded due to circumstances beyond their control.

The Salvation Army also offers a free lunch and activity for seniors once per week; a meal with character development for children once per week; and an after-school program for middle- and high-school age participants.