Red Kettle donations down this year for The Salvation Army

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Donations to The Salvation Army’s red kettles are down 21 percent compared to last year in San Diego County, leaving the organization about $130,000 short of its goal for this year, the charity announced Monday.

The Salvation Army said overall contributions that include other forms of giving are off by 18 percent, which could impact how much help it can provide to the community next year.

“We need red kettle donations to help people all year long,” said Major Lee Lescano, the divisional commander of The Salvation Army.

“Right now we need donations to bring the miracle of Christmas to those who are hungry, those who have lost their jobs, those who hope to give their children at least one toy on Christmas morning,” Lescano said. “But when Christmas is over, those people still face hunger, job loss, discouragement and we desperately want to help them all year long.”

The Salvation Army provides meals and other services to families throughout the year, and distributes Christmas presents to needy parents.

The red kettle campaign is set to end Wednesday. The Salvation Army is hoping to raise $787,000.

Donations, which are tax-deductible, can also be made online at www.sandiego.salvationarmy.org or by mail to The Salvation Army, 2320 Fifth Ave., San Diego, Calif., 92101.