BLOOMINGTON - Salvation Army of McLean County believes it can raise $8,000 more than it did last year in its Red Kettle campaign, despite the economic downturn.

Sheahon Zenger, honorary chairman of Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign, announced at the campaign kickoff on Friday that this year's goal is to collect $210,000 at the 21 kettles located outside stores throughout Bloomington-Normal.

The kettles went up Friday and will be up until Dec. 24.

Last year, $202,047.15 was collected.

"In these economic times, our investment portfolios are not what they were a few months ago," Zenger, ISU director of athletics, said after the kickoff outside Macy's in Eastland Mall. "But most of us have a warm house, a warm car and eat three meals a day.

"By using the spare change in our pocket, by simply making that spontaneous choice over and over again throughout the holiday season, you can help the neediest in our community."

Capt. Scott Shelbourn, corps officer for The Salvation Army, said the organization's overall goal for the next month - including the Red Kettle campaign, the annual direct mail drive and other donations - is $340,000. Last year, the Salvation Army collected $337,554 overall.

"I don't think there's anybody out there who can't spare pocket change or a few dollars," Shelbourn said. "Anyone who wants to see the need is welcome to come and volunteer at our food pantry."

Money collected supports overnight stays for the homeless at the Safe Harbor homeless shelter and helps with rent and utility payments. Donations of food and household items and coats for children and families also are needed.

Even if Salvation Army reaches its goal, it's unknown whether that will be enough to assist all its clients. In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the organization helped 17,000 families, compared with 9,000 families the year before.