Riverland Community College held its first “Put your Metal in the Kettle” event Dec. 11.

The Austin campus donated about $1,062, with about $100 coming from community members. The Albert Lea and Owatonna campuses raised $1,032 and $165, respectively.

Each campus raised funds for the Salvation Army Red Kettle fund’s local chapters. Riverland employees in Albert Lea and Austin were invited to participate in the Kettle o’ Chili taste challenge. Winners received Gold Ladles.

Cedar Valley Services also made and sold chili in the cafeterias and donated their proceeds to the cause.

Employees paid $5 for the right to wear ugly holiday sweaters for the occasion and the Austin Bruins hockey team visited to taste the chili and take photos with the competitors.