Marion County’s Salvation Army has broken a record with this year’s Red Kettle bell ringing effort.

Kitty Shepherd, a volunteer who has helped coordinate the program over the last three years tells KNIA/KRLS News $49,244.13 was dropped into red buckets by generous people in Marion County. Shepherd says last year’s total was eclipsed by more than $1,000. She thanks Hy-Vee, Walmart and Fareway stores in Knoxville and Pella for their cooperation and all of the volunteers who rang in shifts to collect donations. 90% of the money raised will stay in Marion County, the other 10% will assist Salvation Army programs nationally.