Fund raising for the Salvation Army during the holiday season fell short, but still did better than last year.
Development Director Bill Horrell says the Quad Cities chapter hoped to raise 825,000 dollars for its Make A Difference Campaign in November and December, but only brought in 710,000 dollars.
"No explanation why we didn't reach the goal. It's just this year, maybe a shorter Christmas season with Thanksgiving being late caused people not to give as early."
But even though it fell short of their goal, the final total still beat last year's by more than 100,000 dollars.
Horrell says about 60 per cent of the Salvation Army's budget in the Quad Cities comes from the holiday campaign, including the red kettles and mail appeal. And the money supports youth and after school programs, senior programs, and family services including homeless prevention.