CEDAR FALLS -- The Salvation Army kicked off its annual holiday fundraising campaign Saturday during halftime of the University of Northern Iowa football game.

However, people were able to make donations a day earlier, as the charity dispatched about 20 kettles to various locations throughout the Cedar Valley on Friday.

The holiday campaign plays a crucial part in the Salvation Army's annual budget, accounting for about 52 percent of its annual income.

"(From Friday) until Dec. 23, we need to make $400,000 in order to keep our budget balanced," said Sue Hennings, Salvation Army development director.

People can donate at locations throughout the area, including Crossroads and College Square malls, Hy-Vee locations and Fareway stores. The Salvation Army added its first Evansdale kettle location in years, at the new Fareway. However, it also lost several College Square locations and will be stationed at only one, outside of Scheel's.

Amy Dutton, the mall's general manager, confirmed that College Square reduced the number of kettles to one location, but didn't comment on any reasons for the decision. She did confirm that the mall came under new management in May.

People also may donate to the Salvation online kettles via the Salvation Army, Wal-Mart and Target Web sites this holiday season. All online donations will be directed to a local Salvation Army, according to the address on the donor's credit or debit card.

Last year, the Salvation Army set a $360,000 goal for the holiday season and raised about $462,000.

"We went over by quite a bit, and that was cool. We're hoping to do that again this year," Hennings said.