Salvation Army bell ringer Ray Ryback waits for generous passersby outside the Walmart in northeast Cedar Rapids in November. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette)

Three weeks after the final coin fell into the Salvation Army kettle, the Johnson County chapter reported missing the mark on their  $350,000 goal by a total of $15,895 in the 2012 Christmas Campaign.

“It is only because of the ongoing support from the community that we can continue to make an impact in lives of those hurting and losing hope.  We may not have met our goal, but I want to thank everyone for their generosity and support to help us raise what we did,” Honorary Chairman Tim Dwight said in a release.

Contributions in the yearly drive known for the red kettle manned by bell-ringing volunteers, go towards social services, youth programs and dinners given out 364 nights of the year. The organization continues to accept donations online at icsalvationarmy.org or by mail at 1116 Gilbert Court Iowa City, IA 52240.