Salvation Army donations down due to lack of volunteers

Tom Paschal rings the bell for the Salvation Army’s red kettle at the Walmart in Elkin.

“At least now that I know she’ll have a few more extra gifts, I mean she appreciates anything that we have even if it’s just one gift”.

Santa tossed a present into a Salvation Army red kettle over the weekend.

Racine & Me: Nov 28th: movie theater upgrades, holiday shopping contest, mayor of Racine & Waterford toy giver.

Pick up for the toys will run from Wednesday, December 16 thru Saturday, December 19, 2015.

Stanley has asked people to donate all the money that would have gone towards buying her gifts, according to the Salvation Army.

It also pushed the campaign to $408,612, which is 46 percent of its goal of $874,000, said Major Jack Holloway.

“It affects the bottom line of what we’re able to give to clients”, says Roberta Franco, the director of The Salvation Army office in Mesquite.

Last year, more than 82,000 toys and household items were donated to through Hawaii’s Angel Tree program.

“We don’t have as much for the ten and up group as we do for the younger kids”, Fowler said.

The kettles, along with angel tree donations, provide holiday meals and gifts for families who apply for Christmas assistance. On Eyewitness News at 5:30 p.m., we’ll hear from a volunteer who says this mission is close to her heart because it takes her back to her childhood in California.

“Every little bit helps, and the gold coin is more than just a little bit”, Burchett said. Families will receive one large toy, one small toy, and “stocking stuffers” for each child, as well as a game created to be played by the whole family. Lewis R. Reckline, commander for Salvation Army National Capital Area.

“All across the board we have seen a rise in the number of people coming to The Salvation Army for help”, said Capt. Steven Wilson.