The ringing of the red kettle bells outside area stores and businesses through December has been a holiday tradition for years for the Salvation Army.

The funds raised during the holiday season provide year-round support for assistance programs, shelter, utility assistance, feeding programs and after-school programs offered by Salvation Army. Donations from the red kettles stay local and support the community all year.

Capt. Paul Moore of the Mahoning County Salvation Army said volunteers helped generate $224,400 through the kettle campaign.

“We were down about $15,000 from what we hoped to collect this year. With Thanksgiving so late, we lost an entire week to collect,” Moore said, noting the campaign begins the day after Thanksgiving,

Moore said the Salvation Army was fortunate to receive four gold coins and a silver coin from anonymous donors, which brought in $6,600.

“We appreciate all the donations that help us offer programs and services to people in the community year-round,” Moore said.

He said the feeding program is one that is greatly needed.

Capt. Chris Williams of the Trumbull County Salvation Army said volunteers were fortunate to exceed their goal, raising $118,000 in donations for the holidays. The goal was set at $100,000.

Williams said he credits the success of exceeding the goal to the hard work of the many volunteers who stepped up to help ring bells.

“The volunteers and the community came together to help us. We are very excited we raised $118,000,” Williams said.

He said the money will be used for the many well-attended programs and services provided by the mission including the food pantry, which will start again on Monday.

Many local service organizations helped this holiday season ringing the bells.

Katie Rennard, secretary of Kiwanis Club of Youngstown, said many members spent time taking turns the last five days before Christmas ringing the bells outside Giant Eagle stores and other locations.

She said it is a tradition of the club members to support the red kettle drive as part of their service projects that support community causes.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com