The local Salvation Army's traditional kettle drive ended its 2012 campaign $117,061 short of its $500,000 goal.

The iconic red kettles have been retired for the season, but contributions may be made online at SalvationArmyLex.org through Dec. 31.

Army officials said the kettle campaign is the largest Salvation Army fundraiser, providing critical support for an emergency shelter, youth programs and food programs.

The Lexington Salvation Army Angel Tree, which provides Christmas gifts to needy children, also fell short this year. The wish lists of 621 children were unclaimed when the program closed for the season in mid-December. Officials said financial contributions would be stretched to help provide gifts to those children. The Salvation Army had requests for gifts for more than 6,000 children this year.

Mary Meehan: (859) 231-3261. Twitter: @bgmoms. Blog: BluegrassMoms.com.