The Salvation Army of Trumbull and Mahoning counties were successful in their Red Kettle campaigns, crediting the generosity of the community and businesses and volunteers and workers who helped with the collection effort.

In Mahoning County, Major Paul Moore said the campaign collected $92,250 this holiday season, just short of the goal of $100,000.

“This year we had all-volunteer bell ringers and we thank them for their help. We also thank all those who made contributions at the many locations we had kettles set up,” Moore said.

He said while there were a few cold and snowy days for the bell ringers, the weather was cooperative most of the collection period, which ended Dec. 24.

Moore said busy shopping centers were where the kettles did the best for collections.

He said there were also some gold and silver coins placed in the kettles, generating $2,950.

Moore, who along with his wife Major Sherry Moore, have been in Mahoning County for eight years, said they will be retiring in June, so this marked their final Red Kettle campaign.

TRUMBULL COUNTY

In Trumbull County, Captain John Esker said the Salvation Army’s goal was to raise $105,000, and the campaign ended with a total of $105,200.

Esker said the total could have been higher, but the list of volunteers grew short toward the end of the campaign. He said the goal next year is to get more groups to help ring the bell.

Esker said this was the first year for he and his wife, Captain Kate Esker, to be in Trumbull County. They started at the chapter in June.

“We have a better understanding of where to set up the kettles in the county.

The community saw the need for what we were collecting for and were generous,” he said.

Esker said he and his wife have been with the Salvation Army for 15 years and understand the importance of the campaign. They previously were in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

He said the workers and volunteers who helped this year came out to help where needed. Esker said near the end of the campaign, there were at times shortages of people to cover some shifts and locations.

“Many businesses and organizations helped with the effort this year, which is appreciated,” he said.

Salvation Army officials in both counties said mall locations, such as the Eastwood Mall, were very successful collection sites.

The campaign began in November before Thanksgiving and lasted through Christmas Eve.

The funds generated will be used to provide community meals, community clothing closet, food pantry, summer youth program and to provide toys and gifts to children on Christmas. The funding is also used for energy assistance programs.

Officials said locally, 51,000 holiday meals were served in 2024 and 1,503 children received toys.