Donations to Salvation Army drop 10 percent

Image via WikipediaDonations to the Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles are down 10 percent in the Chicago area this year when compared with the same time last year, the organization said today.

The dip is likely due to a combination of factors, including the country’s continuing economic struggles and a decrease in both the number of bell ringers and the number of sites where the kettles can be placed, said Lt. Col. Ralph Bukiewicz, divisional commander for the Chicago region.

“Having fewer sites, fewer workers and a greater need throughout (the area) seems to be creating an ever-widening gap,” Bukiewicz said.

The kettles first appeared throughout the area this year on Nov. 18 in an effort to raise $13 million, Bukiewicz said. As of Tuesday evening, the organization had raised about $7.3 million, or just over 56 percent of its goal, Bukiewicz said. More...