Columbia Falls proved the Christmas spirit is alive and well in the North Valley with a second consecutive win in the Salvation Army’s red-kettle collection competition.

After a full day of ringing bells on Thursday, bell ringers from the city of Columbia Falls raised $2,468.26, up more than $550 from last year’s one-day collection. The city will retain the traveling trophy.

The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce came in second again, bringing in just over $1,900, close to $200 more than last year.

The six communities participating in the Salvation Army’s friendly competition raised $7,331, a 472 percent increase over what normal kettle collections would produce in a day, Salvation Army Director of Development Bob Blake said.

Last year $6,992.94 was raised through the competition.

Third place went to the city of Kalispell, which generated $901.27 from its bell-ringing. The city of Whitefish raised $859 for fourth place; Bigfork Chamber of Commerce came in fifth with $668.36 and Lakeside came in sixth with $534.07.

Almost all of the communities raised more money this year.

“The beauty of this is the enthusiasm and the hearts of the community,” Blake said. “It’s what is behind the money that amazes me.”

He said all of the money raised will be used in the Flathead Valley to serve the area’s neediest citizens.

It will help to support the almost 30,000 meals served annually by the Salvation Army and more than 2,600 gifts distributed to area nursing homes. The money also will help purchase clothing and household items and give Christmas gifts to 780 needy children.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.