The Salvation Army’s signature red kettles came a little bit closer to full this year, but still wound up short of the organization’s goal.

This year’s Red Kettle campaign raised $88,238 against a goal of $100,000, compared with last year’s $59,861 against the same goal. In its year-end report, The Salvation Army also reported $77,826 in donations from its mail appeal, compared to a goal of $100,000.

Salvation Army Community Relations Director Donnie Hornberger said the shortfall was disappointing, but he was relieved that the shortfall was less than in December 2005.

“We had one less week of bell ringing, which may have contributed,” Hornberger said. “We’ve got some other things in the works, where we’re trying to get some money raised throughout the year.”

Among the other fundraisers planned is a pancake feed that Bishop Seabury Academy is putting on March 12 and something The Salvation Army is calling “Doughnut Days” in May during National Salvation Army week. During Doughnut Days, anyone who donates is given a paper doughnut in recognition of a historical activity of The Salvation Army.

If all goes as planned, that paper doughnut will be exchangeable for a real doughnut at a local bakery.

Salvation Army commander Wes Dalberg said the shortfall could put his organization in a position where it needs to prioritize what money is spent on.

“The most important priority we have is serving people,” Dalberg said. “That’s the priority.”

Not all numbers were down for The Salvation Army in 2006. In fact, Hornberger said the number of individuals served was up about 10 to 15 percent over 2005. The Salvation Army served about 28,000 meals through its lunch and emergency shelter programs, while also providing about 14,000 nights of lodging.

“I think it was a good year. We were able to serve a lot of people in need,” Dalberg said. “I’m not disappointed in the least with how many people we were able to serve. At the same time, we wish we were in a position not to have to serve so many people.”