BAXTER-Local Salvation Army and Mills Fleet Farm officials are celebrating a record year for the Army's Day of Caring fundraiser-and a record donation match from the company.
More than $41,000 was donated in a single day, so with Fleet Farm's equal match the Salvation Army took in upwards of $82,000.
Lt. Grant Holloway, administrator for the Brainerd Salvation Army, said each year the community response to their campaign grows, but they were still shocked when they found out they had raised so much money.
"Never in our wildest dreams would we think we'd raise $41,000," he said.
The money stays in the Brainerd lakes area, going to Salvation Army programs such as food shelves, rental payment help, as well as disaster assistance programs for severe weather events and other emergencies. The more money raised during the Christmas season, the more area families are supported by Salvation Army programs year-round, Holloway said.
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"I can't explain how we did so well," he said. "I think people like to see that other businesses are willing to give back into the community. It's amazing that Fleet Farm is willing to do this."
Fleet Farm regional manager Brad Hoff said all the stores do a good job of fundraising for the Salvation Army, but the flagship store in Baxter was unique in that it participated in the Day of Caring. Fleet Farm was happy they had achieved a record fundraising level, he said.
"This is the fifth year we've been doing it, and I don't believe it's been even close to that (before)," Hoff said.
Fleet Farm works to help solve community challenges in each of the cities where the company has a presence, he said.
"All communities have different things that they may struggle with, this, that, and whatever," he said. "Mills Fleet Farm is actively involved ... in all of our store locations."
Although the company was sold a year ago to investment firm KKR, Hoff said it would continue its philanthropy work.
During the Salvation Army's famous bell-ringing campaign in the holiday months of November and December, 202 volunteers worked more than 1,300 hours to raise $162,000 for the cause. Combined with those donations that came in by mail or online, the group raised slightly more than $357,000, a release said.
