The Yuma County chapter of The Salvation Army sold more paper red kettle medallions this holiday season than every other participating community in the United States combined.

 "When we optimistically placed the order for 15,000 of the paper kettles, we were told by the company that they would have to complete a special run just for us," said Capt. Jonathan Harvey.

 The company who manufactures the paper kettles did not expect to sell that many to all the participating Salvation Army units in the entire nation combined, he pointed out.

 For nearly two months, Chevron gas customers placed their names on paper Salvation Army Red Kettles. Many Chevron convenience stores throughout Yuma County sold so many paper kettles that their walls are covered from floor to ceiling.

 Chevron customers have raised 50 percent more for Salvation Army this holiday than last year, noted Harvey. A total of $15,000 was raised this year by Chevron customers compared with $10,000 during the 2007 holiday.

 The idea behind the campaign was to make it convenient for customers to contribute to The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club while at their local Chevron station.

 During the post-holiday season, The Salvation Army continues to serve more than 100 cooked meals a day to low-income families as well as provide after-school education and recreation for 200 children a day, he added.

 "We're incredibly grateful to Chevron customers for making it a successful campaign," Harvey said.

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.