NEW YORK - Salvation Army administrators say the Red Kettle campaign set a record of $130 million in donations last year despite the recession.
Red Kettle donations were up 10 percent from 2007 and represented the biggest one-year jump in since 1997, yet came during a holiday season when many retailers suffered.
In the Twin Cities area, the Salvation Army reported in January that Red Kettle donations were $2.9 million, nearly $100,000 more than 2007.
The Salvation Army attributed the national increase to partnerships with Wal-Mart and the National Hockey League, its use of "cashless kettles" that accepted credit card donations and a text messaging service that allowed cell phone users to contribute via their phone bills.
The Salvation Army said Tuesday that donations helped nearly 29 million Americans, including nearly 5 million who received holiday assistance with rent, clothing and toys.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
