STEUBEN COUNTY, NY (WENY) -- The Salvation Army in Corning kicked off its Red Kettle Fundraiser on November 13th. This year's goal for the Corning branch is $70,000, which will help with programs even after the holidays are over.

"It goes to helping the Christmas families [who] need assistance with toys and food. It also goes towards our regular feeding during the year, food pantry, after-school program... It also goes towards [the] life-skill development programs for our adults," said Major C. Anita Stewart with the Corning Salvation Army.

Among those who helped ring in the annual fundraiser was Riverside Mayor Richard Wagar. He said he sees first-hand how poverty impacts his community and understands the importance of fundraisers like this.

"It's very important for people to donate in all areas, but I see it here and in Riverside. We have people [who] have no place to live. They have all of their belongings on a trailer behind their bicycle... It's important to take care of these people and it's just the right thing to do," said Mayor Wagar.

To help try to boost fundraising efforts, the Corning Salvation Army is accepting credit card donations at its red kettles for the second year in a row. Major Stewart said they're trying to recruit more volunteers to help reach the $70,000 goal.

"We're [going] to be here in Steuben County and we are going to try to redefine ourselves so that people know we exist in the Salvation Army. Sometimes, we are a sleeping giant. People only know us as the bell ring[ers] and the Christmas effort, but there's so much more. That's why our theme 'Love Beyond' is so [appropriate] because [the fundraising goes] beyond the Christmas season..." said Major Stewart.

The Red Kettle Fundraiser is happening now through December 24th.

If you'd like to help volunteer at Corning Salvation Army's events, please call (607)-962-4681.