The Salvation Army collected $149.6 million through its Red Kettle Campaign during the Christmas season. The total set a new national record for the campaign and will help the Army provide food, shelter and social services to millions of needy Americans.

A variety of old and new events marked the Army's Christmas fund-raising campaign. The Salvation Army's #RedKettleReason campaign this year included a contest which offered supporters an opportunity to share their motivations for donating to the Red Kettles through online videos. The winner received a paid trip to New York City for a shopping spree to buy toys and necessities that benefitted an Army program in their community.

#RedKettleReason continued to function as the backbone of the Christmas campaign, giving supporters a chance to share their personal connection to the kettles and donate online.

"Although the retail landscape continues to shift, we're encouraged to see that Americans are still willing to give at our 25,000 kettles stationed across the country," said Lt. Colonel Ron Busroe, national community relations and development secretary. "The 2015 campaign was the largest year we've ever had for kettles, helping us lay the groundwork for a strong year of service in 2016."

The Dallas Cowboys continued their strong support of the Army, which goes back nearly 20 years. General Andr Cox and Commissioner David Jeffrey, national commander, were joined by Jerry Jones and Charlotte Jones Anderson of the Cowboys, as well as singer-songwriter Luke Bryan for the Red Kettle Kickoff. Since the beginning of the partnership with the Cowboys, the Red Kettle Campaign has raised nearly $2.2 billion.

Red kettles outside of more than 4,900 Walmart and Sam's Club stores across the nation took in over $44 million, which represented about 22 % of the total raised. More than 2,300 Kroger grocery stores were the sites of red kettles and brought in $16.8 million. Kettles placed at J.C. Penney stores collected $3 million for the campaign, and $1.2 million was raised in kettles at Big Lots locations.

On three successive weekends during the Christmas season, thousands of Walmart stores hosted the Fill the Truck event, collecting more than 93,000 toys and 3,000 coats for children. Walmart customers also made online donations totaling $2,133 to help needy individuals and families.

Hanes donated 200,000 pairs of socks to The Salvation Army in its annual sock drive, and Coca-Cola and UPS also were among corporations supporting the Army with donations.