The ring of the Salvation Army bells ended on Christmas Eve, and that little jingle did its job.

Bell ringing in front of Austin businesses surpassed the Salvation Army’s $45,000 goal this year, bringing in $56,500. That’s also roughly $16,000 more than last year’s drive raised.

“I think our kettles were very well manned this year,” Said the Salvation Army’s Lt. David Amick, who turned the Kettle Drive money into the bank Tuesday afternoon. “We have a very good coordinator, and our volunteers were just as phenomenal this year.”

Among individuals who put in many six- to eight-hour shifts this year, organizations like the Austin Bruins, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, churches and the local Shriners all made big differences.

The Bruins were successful by hanging a kettle in their lobby.

And during the Shriners’ volunteer time alone, more than $3,850 was collected. Also, a two-for-one grant was awarded by Minnesota Masonic Charities, which brought the local Masonic Lodge’s funds raised to $11,550.

While bell ringing is over, Amick said the counter kettles, at registers at many local businesses, are still available. Furthermore, the Salvation Army’s Mail Appeal, in which donations can be mailed directly to the Salvation Army, is still going through January.

Though the Kettle Drive is going strong, the overall holiday drive of $125,000 is still lagging. Amick said current totals are about $90,000.

Though the holiday drive is the Salvation Army’s big push for general revenue through 2012, people may still donate at any time, Amick said.