DETROIT (AP) -- The Salvation Army says Red Kettle Campaign donations are down for the group's biggest fundraiser of the year.
Maj. John Turner, general secretary of the Salvation Army's Eastern Michigan Division, tells The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press the effort that runs through Jan. 31 is lagging $400,000 behind. This year's fundraising goal is $7.8 million.
The charity fell short of last year's goal and had to lay off about 15 people and close a community center in Detroit. Turner says the nonprofit is in "danger of losing vital programs" if donations don't pick up.
Bell ringers and red kettles are located at more than 350 sites in southeast Michigan. Online donations also are accepted.
The Salvation Army is known for social programs including soup kitchens and alcohol rehabilitation.
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Online:
Red Kettle for donations: www.onlineredkettle.org
The Salvation Army: www.salmich.org
Published: Wed, Dec 8, 2010
