Sally Ann hopes for more

Photo: Kate Bouey

Vernon area residents have donated more than $250,000 to the Salvation Army's Christmas campaign.

According to the latest tally, donations from both direct mail and the Kettles stand at $263,514.16.

However Jean-Curtis Plante, Salvation Army captain, said that's only 51 per cent of the $513,769.27 required to balance their budget in 2016.

“The need is real and at our doorstep,” said Plante. “People are depending on us to assist them and we are reaching out to the community of Vernon to fund the community food bank.”

“We are hopeful and know there is a still a lot of work to do to reach our goal,” he said, adding 15 days remain in the annual food bank fundraising drive.