The Pottsville, Pa Salvation Army fell short of its fundraising goal for its 2013 Red Kettle Campaign The Republican Herald reported Saturday.
The non-profit organization collected $81,853,46 out of $90,000 The Republican Herald reported. The company did meet its goal last year of $75,000 bringing in $89,670.
"I can't recall the last time we didn't make our goal," Salvation Army captain Tammy Hench told The Republican Herald. I've been here nine years and we've always made the goal. I think it's because the tough economy. But I'm thankful for the generosity people have shown to us through the holiday. We're going to keep at it."
Offerings have decreased 13 percent to $79,000 from the last year. This can be because of weather, and Thanksgiving Day The Daily Ardmoreite reported. Volunteers have also been absent at regular locations when the weather is bad.
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 according to the campaign's Volunteer First website.
The campaign allows the Salvation Army to give food, toys, and clothing to more than six million people throughout the Christmas holiday. The initiative also helps over thirty-four million people affected by any catastrophe the Volunteer First Website said.
The campaign began in 1891 in San Francisco, and has been known to be the organization's most important fundraiser according to the website.
The campaign had a donor give a coin worth $750 in Arlington Heights, Ill Dec. 2 The Daily Herald reported.
A $1,200 gold bar was also donated to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign Tuesday The News Dispatch reported. The bar had an ounce of gold, and is believed to have been put in the kettle around a one dollar bill by an unknown person.
Salvation Army lieutenant Bill Brutto plans to take the gold bar to a pawn shop to find out its value. He will in return get $1,010 for a higher price when it sells again
