Volunteers rang their way to a big weekend, and Austin Salvation Army leaders are looking to keep the momentum going through the remainder of the annual red kettle drive.

Bell ringers brought in just under $15,000 on Friday and Saturday, bringing this year’s drive to just below $56,000 for the year.

“It’s going very well,” Lt. David Amick said. “We just need to keep up the momentum.”

The Salvation Army got a boost Friday from Mayo Clinic Health System employees ringing and matching funds, and volunteers with the Masonic Lodge ring every weekend through December. The Mason’s totals will get a boost eventually as money raised through their bell ringing receive matching funds through Masonoic Charities in Minneapolis, which Amick said is still coming.

Money raised through the red kettles benefits the Salvation Arm’s food shelf, rent and utilities, programs and more.

“It just helps us get through the year as far as our different programs,” Amick said.

The Salvation Army is targeting $170,000 in this year’s campaign after raising more than $150,000 last year. The kettles will keep ringing through Christmas Eve, but the Salvation Army accepts cash donations through January.

Amick was hopeful to keep momentum up through the last week and a half before Christmas.

“I think we’re going to be OK, especially if we keep having weekends like this,” he said.

As always, the Salvation Army is looking for people to volunteer to ring for the kettles. People can register at www.registertoring.com.

“We could definitely always use volunteers,” Amick said.

People can also donate to the Austin Salvation Army online at SalvationArmyNorth.org/Austin.

Along with money, the Salvation Army has also been taking food donations, and Amick said the food drives have been successful, including the drive during the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s visit last week.

“It’s been huge, we got so much food,” Amick said.

Later this week, the Salvation Army will distribute toys through its toy drive to more than 700 children. People can still give last minute donations to the toy drive today by checking out the angel trees are at Shopko, Walmart, Runnings and Pizza Ranch, but the donations are due today at the Salvation Army, 409 First Ave. NE.

Next week, the Salvation Army, Hy-Vee and KAUS Radio will distribute food for the seventh Feed A Family program, which gives $50 food baskets to needy families. Hy-Vee has been seeking donations. People can donate by calling in a donation, rounding up their groceries at Hy-Vee checkout lines or by giving $10 donation at the checkout, the gas station, the wine and spirit store or Caribou.