SWFL community helps with Salvation Army goals

The last minute generosity of the Southwest Florida community has helped the Salvation Army in its attempt to reach its biggest campaign goal of the year.

Severely behind in their campaign, the Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties pulled through at the last minute for thousands of families.

Todd O'Keefe, his wife and four children were able to unwrap much needed presents this year. Todd found joy for the first time in three months with the help of the Salvation Army. He's living at their homeless shelter after losing two jobs.

"It's depressing in a way. They don't realize it as much as we do, that we weren't able to do it for them this year," he says.

As of Christmas Eve morning, the red kettle campaign reached 79% of its goal. But whether it makes it or not, the Salvation Army is going to have to make some cuts.

Some of their staff is already taking furloughs once a month.
"Even if we meet the kettle goal, we're looking at a 5% cut there. If we don't, then those cuts will be even larger and deeper," says Marilu Bennett with the Salvation Army.

And in a tough economy, the Salvation Army is staying cautiously optimistic and thankful for any donation it receives.

This year, the red kettle campaign goal is $600,000. That's up $50,000 from last year.

The Salvation Army says that's because the needs in all of its programs are much greater.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45788142/ns/local_news-fort_myers_fl/

talladega pumpkin carving texas tech football bridge school miami dolphins charlie and the chocolate factory ou football