Petersburg Pilot -

Petersburg residents contributed a record amount to the Salvation Army Christmas programs this year, beating the 2011 donations by $5,890.94, according to Lt. Caleb Fankhauser. Giving totaled $15,618.17 in 2012 surpassing last year’s donations of $9,727.23. All funds donated to the Salvation Army Red Kettle remain in Petersburg, according to Fankhauser.

Fankhauser said 77 children received Christmas gifts and 92 families were presented with Christmas meals this year.

Organizations standing watch at the kettle this year helped with the record collections. The top five organizations volunte...