BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Salvation Army nearly doubled its previous record for donations this Christmas, thanks  to the addition of a second kettle placed outside Albertsons in Hailey.

The nonprofit raised $37,087 from its kettle ringing locations outside Atkinsons Market in Ketchum and Albertsons. The donations were nearly even with $18,715 dropped in the red bucket at Albertsons and $18,371 donated in Ketchum.

All the donations will stay in Blaine County to assist those who are struggling with health care, food, rental assistance, shelter, utility assistance and dental care or surgery, said Richard Brown.

Even youngsters and dogs got into the act alongside Richard Brown, who has been the figurehead of the Salvation Army in the Wood River Valley for 12 years.

“We want to thank the communities of the North and South Wood River Valley profusely for their amazing generosity and willingness to put money in the Salvation Army kettles this holiday season,” added Al Oliver and John Dimant. “Through snow, rain and cold weather you were willing to take a break from your busy errands and shopping, lend us your smile, dig into your purses and wallets and find some money to put in our kettles.”

The Salvation Army has had a bellringing presence in Ketchum for 12 years. This year’s drive spanned 33 days, starting the week prior to Thanksgiving and running through Christmas Eve.