Although the Salvation Army didn’t reach its $136,000 goal in its holiday drive, it did raise more than last year’s campaign.

This year’s drive, which raised $123,000, brought in several thousand dollars more than 2009.

Due to increased demand for donations, the Salvation Army had to raise its goals for the 2011 budget. Major Marlys Anderson said it increased 2010 goals in all areas, but the organization may have to cut back on some of its services.

By falling about $13,000 short of the goal, the organization may have to reduce some of its lodging, utility assistance and kid’s camps. However, Anderson added the impact will not be too negatively felt, as it’s something the Salvation Army was bracing for during a holiday season that included bad weather and a poor economy.

This year’s campaign relied heavily on the annual red kettle drive. It nearly raised the $40,000 goal set by the organization — falling only a few hundred dollars short. And with the increased demand, local volunteers stepped up to do their part, too.

More than 500 poeple served a total of 2,000 volunteer hours for the holiday kettle drive.

“I’m so blessed every year to see how many volunteers come out and assist with the kettle drive,” Anderson said. “There’s no way to send out letters to all those people who helped.”

Kim Hallman, special events coordinator for the Salvation Army, was also surprised how young many of this year’s volunteers were — many of them high-schoolers.

The Feed a Family drive was also a success, raising about $10,000 and providing food for more than 700 families throughout the holidays.

The food shelf, perhaps the organization’s most used service, is thriving, however. “There should never be a shortage of food,” Anderson said.

With its current donations, the Salvation Army will give a week’s worth of food every Friday from Jan. 21 through the end of March. If its shelves stay stocked, it will continue that trend for as long as it can. The community meal at 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday continues as well.

Anderson and Hallman need more volunteers with the increased demand for services this year.

To volunteer, contact Hallman at 507-437-4566.