(La Porte, IN) - There is a good chance Salvation Army kettles in La Porte will meet the funding-raising goal this Christmas season.

Area civic, religious, and workgroups are helping to try and make that happen. La Porte Salvation Army Capt. Charles Pinkston said the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office members are volunteering with the kettles at Kroger on Friday, while members of the La Porte Fire Department today are ringing the bell at kettles outside Walmart. In addition, Knights of Columbus volunteers will work the kettles at all eight locations in La Porte on Saturday.

Pinkston said more than $54,000 had been dropped into kettles in La Porte, so far, during the annual fundraising drive. The goal is $80,000.

“We’re tracking just above where we were last year. I’m optimistic,” he said.