The Salvation Army Pottsville Corps fell short of its 2013 Red Kettle Campaign goal of $90,000, Capt. Tammy Hench said Friday.
"I can't recall the last time we didn't make our goal. I've been here nine years and we've always made the goal. I think it's because the tough economy. But I'm thankful for the generosity people have shown to us through the holiday," Hench said.
Last year, the Pottsville Corps surpassed its goal of $75,000 and raised $89,670.
This year, the goal was $90,000 and by Tuesday, the last day Salvation Army volunteers held red kettles at area businesses, the campaign raised $81,853.46, according to Hench.
But there are still opportunities for people to donate, Hench said.
"We're going to keep at it," she said.
The Red Kettle Campaign will continue online at www.salvationarmyusa.org until Jan. 31, she said.
Internet users can search on the site to make sure their donations go the Pottsville office, she said.
The staff at the office of the Pottsville Corps at 400 Sanderson St. can also accept donations directly, Hench said.
This year's campaign began Nov. 15, Hench said.
Bell ringers and kettles were at locations including: Boscov's Department Store at Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville; Boyer's Food Markets Inc., Frackville, Orwigsburg, Pottsville and Shenandoah; Wal-Mart Supercenter at Coal Creek Commerce Center, Saint Clair; Redner's Warehouse Markets, Schuylkill Haven and Shenandoah; BG's Value Market, King's Village Plaza, Minersville; and the Schuylkill Mall near Kmart.
On Monday, Lt. Staci Ferreira said they had "about $20,000" to collect and she doubted the goal would be raised by Tuesday.
Ferreira believed snowy weather also kept crowds away from the kettles this year.