ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- While it is December 26th, and Christmas is behind us, Elmira's Salvation Army is celebrating the end of its 2024 Red Kettle campaign. The Elmira Citadel on Lake Street is celebrating more than just its 140th anniversary; it also raised $38,000 more than in 2023.

"This year we raised $118,000, ringing the bell it ended on Christmas Eve which is significantly more than last year," says Major Leo Lloyd, Commanding Officer with Elmira Corps. "Last year we raised about $80,000, but still [this year] $22,000 short of our goal of $140,000."

Even while being $22,000 short, that didn't dampen this year's great turnout. 

Support for people in need comes in many shapes and sizes. No qualifying factors are needed to ask for help from any of the Salvation Army locations across the region. 

"Mostly what we do is fill in the gaps around safety net programs. So where food stamps run out, where maybe they're not signed up yet for a safety net program, maybe they're working. However, there was some emergency with the car and they're not able to pay the rent this month, those kinds of things," explains Lloyd. 

The $118,000 raised in 2024 will go directly toward the operating budget for the Elmira Salvation Army's Comprehensive Emergency needs. The funds will mostly support the in-house food pantry. 

In addition to the funds for the Red Kettle campaign, additional fundraising took place to ensure over 300 kids woke up with gifts under their tree on Christmas morning.

"We were able to help a lot of families this year with toys for 360 children and we were able to receive about $72,000 worth of toys this year. Lots of kids went home with new bicycles this year, so it was a blessing," shared Lloyd. 

The Salvation Army says they are closed for the rest of this week after Christmas. They will return to normal business hours on Monday, December 30th. Every Monday is when a massive truck is unloaded to help stock the pantry; this is where volunteers are most needed. 

Elmira's Salvation Army is located at 414 Lake Street, Elmira, N.Y. 14905.