Salvation Army-Fox Cities meets goal

APPLETON - The Salvation Army’s 2011 bell-ringing fundraising campaign met its goal in the Appleton area.

Charity leaders say the group raised $1,200,813 from Nov. 4-Dec. 24, just topping the goal of $1.2 million. Bell ringers logged more than 11,000 hours, filling 6,650 shifts throughout the Fox Valley.

The campaign included a total of $582,035 collected through eight corporate matches sponsored by area companies.

In addition, the Salvation Army – Fox Cities collected and distributed more than 5,000 coats through the annual Coats for Kids program sponsored by WLUK FOX 11. The group also distributed more than 34,000 toys to more than 3,100 children through the Toys for Tots program, and distributed food and gifts to 5,544 people in 1,319 families during the Christmas season.