The last two days of the Lima Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign had to be canceled due to the arctic temperatures and that was a big concern about reaching their $125,000 goal. Thanks to the generosity of others, the kettle campaign collected $128,000 in donations. Salvation Army officials are thankful for all of the support for their mission.

The Salvation Army of Lima says they are close to reaching their kettle campaign goal.

The Salvation Army kicked off their Christmas in July Kettle Campaign on Monday in Allen County at all Chief Supermarket and Kewpee locations. Volunteers brought out the renowned red kettles to accept donations that provide assistance to the community and those in need as well as to operate summer programs. Despite the calendar saying July, the Salvation Army operates year round and requires a steady stream of donations to fulfill its mission.

The goal is $125,000, and they are $36,000 shy at this time. They believe the shortfall is because they haven’t been able to have the kettles out in high-traffic areas during peak times. Salvation Army officials say they are in dire need of volunteers to man those kettles through Christmas Eve. You can volunteer to ring the bells by calling the Salvation Army at 419-224-9055, or you can make a donation by dropping it off or mailing it to the Lima Salvation Army at 614 E. Market Street Lima, Ohio 45802. Your donation will help fund the day-to-day operations as well as after-school programs, Sunday meals, along with rent and utility assistance.

The Salvation Army's summer kettles campaign is in the final stretch.

The bells will be ringing for another week for the Salvation Army's Christmas in July campaign.