Red kettles bubbling over with money

One goal has already been met, while another one is still being pursued at The Salvation Army of Waukesha County.

As of last week, Maj. Carol Lemirand said the Red Kettle Campaign sits at $436,497.41, more than $16,000 past its goal of $420,000.

She anticipates the final number to increase even more to about $440,000 after the mini-counter kettles are brought in on Friday.

"What an outpouring of love as we meet the needs of individuals in 2013," Lemirand said.

However, regarding its overall Christmas goal, that includes the Red Kettle contributions, The Salvation Army is still $127,335 from its goal of $680,000.

But Lemirand said this total is still being calculated as people make their end of the year contributions and added that all receipts have not yet been recorded.

She indicated that The Salvation Army will have a better summary around the third week of January.

The Salvation Army gives 88 cents out of every dollar to its programs that include working with homeless shelters, community meal programs, the food pantry and utility assistance.

The remainder goes toward keeping the organization running.