File Photo - A Salvation Army bellringer accepts donations during last year’s drive. The Salvation Army of Wheeling said it is about 35% of the way to its 2021 goal.

WHEELING — The Salvation Army of Wheeling is 35% of the way toward making its financial goals and meeting charitable needs in local communities.

The charitable group reported this week having raised so far just over $25,000 of its $70,000 target. The amount puts it on par with past years, according to Ashlie Kotson, community relations director for the Salvation Army of Wheeling.

“We’re a little bit ahead this year, but not by much,” she said. “As of right now, if everyone continues to donate we should be good. We are hopeful.”

The local Salvation Army plans to use the funds to provide food, utility, and clothing assistance to approximately 7,000 people in Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler counties.

In the past year, The Salvation Army also provided lodging to 1,200 men at their emergency shelter and assisted 200 individuals with their warming shelter during the winter months, according to Kotson.

Thanksgiving grocery cards were provided to 731 people this year and they will provide Christmas grocery cards to 750 people, she said.

On Friday, Kotson and Captain Jennifer VanMeter were focussing efforts on their upcoming Angel Tree distribution that begins Dec. 16. The names of approximately 400 children have mostly been taken from the trees by local residents wanting to purchase requested items to make Christmas special for the youths.

“For the most part all the names are off trees, but the items have not been returned yet,” VanMeter said. “We are asking those who took names to have items back by Dec. 10, and we will start distributing them the week before that.”

The older children ages 12-16 largely want fast food or gaming gift cards, or LED lighting to hang in their bedrooms, she said. LOL dolls remain popular with younger girls, while the boys like Roblox items, Legos and remote cars.

Bob Contraguerro from Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration is serving as the Salvation Army’s Christmas Chair this year.

“The little bit of change you drop in the Red Kettle makes such a huge difference in the lives of those less fortunate here in the Valley,” he said. “The Salvation Army has been doing this for years, and I’m honored to help them reach their goal this year.”

The Salvation Army’s red kettles will remain at local stores until Christmas Eve.