The final figures aren’t expected to be known until later today, but the executive director of the local Salvation Army is confident the annual kettle campaign was successful.

“Things came together very nicely in the final week,” Ian MacKenzie said in an interview this morning.

At last count, the organization was just $6,000 short of its $77,000 fundraising goal through the campaign.

Throughout this month, up until Christmas, volunteers were stationed with the well-known Salvation Army red kettles at stores around the city accepting donations.

The campaign serves as the major fundraising effort for the organization. The cash raised locally goes to support the Salvation Army’s shelter throughout the following year, in addition to government support the organization receives for basic operations.

MacKenzie expressed concern early last week that the organization may not reach its goal of raising $77,000. At that point, $16,000 had to be raised to meet the goal for the year.

Given the response in the last week, MacKenzie said, he’s “fairly confident” the final count later today will see the organization reach its campaign goal.

While the kettle campaign is over for another year, MacKenzie said donations continue to be welcomed at the Salvation Army’s office at 311 Black St.

Those looking for a receipt showing their 2016 contribution for tax purposes have until Friday to drop off their donation to the office.

It’s not just the kettle campaign that keeps local Salvation Army staff and volunteers busy throughout the Christmas season.

In addition to that and their day-to-day efforts providing shelter and food through the soup kitchen to Whitehorse’s most vulnerable, the organization hosts what’s likely the largest Christmas dinner in town on Christmas Day.

MacKenzie didn’t have exact figures on the number of volunteers.

He did say the organization was pleased to have a steady crew helping throughout the day to host about 200 people who turned up for a plate of turkey dinner and some Christmas cheer.

“It turned out quite well,” MacKenzie said.

Some volunteers came out early in the day to get the decorations up and tables set for the big event, he added.

Others then took on food preparations, cooking and serving, with more coming in to assist with the cleanup after things wrapped up at around 2:30 p.m.

Those who came out for the feast enjoyed “lots of turkey” along with all the popular side dishes, MacKenzie said.