Communities across the Flathead Valley raised more than $12,800 for the local Salvation Army in Thursday’s city bell-ringing competition.

Evergreen came out on top, narrowly beating defending champs, Columbia Falls, by $40.

Volunteers from each community competed to raise the most money in one day, ringing their bells at the Salvation Army’s donation kettles.

Evergreen claimed raised $4,113, with Columbia Falls hauling in $4,072. Bigfork took third with $3,365, Whitefish took fourth with $935 and Lakeside took fifth with $317.

Kalispell did not participate in the competition this year.

The money raised through the competition will be used locally to help meet the basic needs of those experiencing difficulties this holiday season.

Last year, the Salvation Army provided nearly 28,000 hot meals, hot showers, laundry facilities, clothing, household items, school supplies and sponsored 86 children’s trips to summer camp. The organization also ensured 1,246 children had gifts on Christmas morning.

The City Ring Day trophy will soon move from its current location in Columbia Falls to its new home in Evergreen for the next year.

For more information about the Salvation Army, visit http://northwest.salvationarmy.org/.