$427K raised for Sally Ann

Photo: Contributed

The Salvation Army raised more than $427,000 through its Christmas kettle and mail out campaign.

They may have fallen shy of their goal, but officials with the Vernon Salvation Army are humbled by the support shown in the community.

With a goal of $500,000, Lt. Stefan Reid said the community donated $427,000 through the mail out and kettle campaigns.

“The campaigns went very well,” said Reid, who had high praise for the community and the support it shows the Sally Ann.

“The community always comes through. Over the last few days of the year, we had some big donations come in.”

Reid said money is still coming in from the mail out campaign.

The money will be used for a variety of Salvation Army programs and Reid said they are even considering starting some new programs.

“There's a lot that happens here,” said Reid. “There are hundreds of volunteers who help out.”

The Salvation Army also handed out almost 500 Christmas hampers last year as well.

The annual Vernon realtor food drive collected almost 40 tons of food for the Salvation Army food bank.

“The realtors always surpass our expectations with this food drive,” said Reid. “This food will last us until well into May and June.”