The Austin Salvation Army received another big check Monday during the last few days of the mail appeals for the Red Kettle Campaign, bringing organizers within $1,000 of the year’s $170,000 goal.

Fidelity Lodge No. 39, the Masonic Lodge of Austin, presented a $10,000 check to Lt. David Amick for the local Salvation Army. The check was on behalf of Minnesota Masonic Charities, MMC. Members of the Masonic Lodge and friends contributed about 140 volunteer hours during last year’s red kettle drive on Fridays and Saturdays at the Austin Hy-Vee store from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

The Masons collected $14,297 during these days, and with the grant amount from MMC, this brought the total amount on behalf of the Masons to $24,297. When combined with the amount collected and matched by the Austin Shrine Club on Dec. 4, 2015, the Austin Area Salvation Army received a total of $38,777.

“Members of the Masonic bodies in Austin [Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Austin Shrine Club] would like to thank the community for their support during this community project that was a huge success this year,” Neil Hanson, worshipful master of the Fidelity Lodge, said in a press release. “Approximately 700 families are the recipients of this effort, and your contributions are indeed helpful. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation to Minnesota Masonic Charities for supporting our community with their matching funds in the amount of $17,240.”

Since its inception in 2006, Minnesota Masonic Charities has grown into an influential nonprofit grant makers in Minnesota, providing important services and significant contributions to positively impact outcomes in education, cancer research, eldercare, children’s health and community outreach.