The Warren Salvation Army wrapped up its annual Red Kettle Campaign for the season just short of its goal.

The campaign, which ended Christmas Eve, raised $69,098. The campaign had hoped to raise $75,000 this year.

“We can hardly believe the 2023 Red Kettle season has ended for the Salvation Army. While it is ending with us missing our goal by $5,902 it has been filled with so many blessings this season,” Red Cross Major Dorothy Budd said.

A last-minute surge of donations moved the campaign far closer to $75,000. As of Dec.19, the campaign had been $22,000 short.

Budd noted groups that came together for the campaign, including a group of men who just happen to share the name “Gary.”

“Nothing accomplished is accomplished alone,” Budd said. “We as a community come together, not to boast, but because there is a genuine love for each other in Warren. We see it in the Gary’s that found not only shared a name but the same goal of helping their neighbors. We could not have been more appreciative for the service groups that restarted the Battle of the Bells. United Refinery and that last minute match to push us closer to the goal.”

Budd and her husband, Major Shane Budd, are new to the area, but she said she is impressed with the spirit of the region.

“We have only been in this community for a short year-and-a half,” she said. “We have been so moved by the community of Warren and how they come alongside to support each other. Never did we imagine loving a community more. This community should be proud of how hard they work and how they love each other.”

Funds raised by the campaign stay local to allow Salvation Army programs in the community to continue year-round.

“We will continue to do the most good for Warren,” she said.