The Foothills Salvation Army was able to meet their Christmas goal of raising one hundred and ten thousand dollars this year, but it was a close call.

Lieutenant Chad Cole says they were worried headed into the final week.

"Going into the final week we had $78,000," said Cole."But then the community rallied and we brought in close to $60,000 so we were able to hit the $110,000 mark."

Cole says they were very pleased with the volunteer turnout from the community.

"Although we were short on some volunteers we were able to get the bell ringers out covering all the kettle shifts we could."

Last year they beat their goal by $16,000 dollars this year they beat it by $88.

They also handed out over 250 food hampers and gifts for families in the Foothills, unfortunately people who tried to sign up late had to be turned away.

'We did have a number of people who missed the registration date so just a reminder for next year to be on the look out for the registration dates which are a month before the distribution."

Cole adds they just don't have the resources to handle late requests.

Now that the Christmas season is over any donations to the food bank are appreciated.

"We've got a good fundraiser lined up for the end of the month that should tide us over till the one in the Spring, in the meantime we can always put any donation to good use."

The High River Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting a food drive at the end of January and again in the spring.