35-percent of the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign goal has been collected so far this holiday season.
Spokesman Rich Draeger says the $1.575-million fundraising effort will continue even once the red kettles go away next weekend, but there will be some special kettle matches next week.
The money raised goes to support Salvation Army programs, such as the food pantry. Draeger says 6,600 more meals have been swerved this year compared to 2010.
The first gold coin was placed in a kettle last weekend. It was the first one since 2009.
