Donations are down in the Salvation Army's Red Kittle campaign The Daily Ardmoreite reported Sunday.
"I am very concerned about the lost kettle days this year and how this will impact our ability to help those hurting," Major Jeff Daniels of the Salvation Army in Ardmore, OK told The Daily Ardmoreite. "The red kettles are a symbol of giving, and represent a tradition of caring that is passed down from generation to generation. We're hoping that shoppers will remember their neighbors in need when they see a Salvation Army bell ringer in the community during the coming three weeks, and be as generous as they can be."
Offerings have decreased 13 percent to $79,000 from the last year. This can be because because of weather, and Thanksgiving Day happening further towards the end of last month.
Volunteers have also been absent at regular locations when the weather is bad.
"We had one week short because of the way Thanksgiving fell, and I think if we were able to have been out at the normal time, we would be right where we need to be," Capt. Jerry Uttley of the Salvation Army in Norwich, Conn. told The Norwich Bulletin. "But we continue to still be out and are striving to reach that goal."
Eighty-seven cents of each dollar donated is used to assist those who need help via toy drives, food drives. The Salvation Army also does so through many different ways.
The campaign allows the Salvation Army to give food, toys, and clothing to more than six million people throughout the Christmas holiday according to the campaign's Volunteer
First website. The campaign also helps over thirty-four million, affected by any catastrophe.
The campaign began in 1891 in San Francisco, and has been known to be the organization's most important fundraiser.
