Some Salvation Army units are in trouble and need your help. They are loooking for more donations and volunteers.
Captain Gary Thornton of the Tamaqua Salvation Army braved the cold wind near Hometown Thursday, trying to raise money for his organization. The traditional red kettles are out, but the number of volunteers to man the kettles are down.
"We have me and three others people where we should have six or seven. For whatever reason, that is our biggest challenge to get people out on the kettle," said Captain Thornton.
Donations are down to by about 15 percent.
"We help people with their fuel, we help people with their rent, people with food all year and that's what this money goes for. It goes to keep the building open and keep things running," Captian Thornton explaiend.
Some of the people putting money in the kettles are not shocked to hear about the lack of donations.
"Just recently retired in September and I know it's tough for everybody," said Gary Beaver of Bowmanstown.
"It wouldn't surprise me one bit with the economy. Come on people, open up your purses. We need change and dollar bills!" said Sylvia Rocuskie of Hometown.
People give because they know the Salvation Army acts as safety net for people down on their luck.
"There are a few friends that have received help from them, the Salvation Army, and it does benefit them, meal wise, food wise," said Dave Hicks of Tamaqua.
The Salvation Army said nationally kettle collections are down by about 20 percent. If you want to volunteer to man a kettle call your nearest Salvation Army office.
Captain Gary Thornton of the Tamaqua Salvation Army braved the cold wind near Hometown Thursday, trying to raise money for his organization. The traditional red kettles are out, but the number of volunteers to man the kettles are down.
"We have me and three others people where we should have six or seven. For whatever reason, that is our biggest challenge to get people out on the kettle," said Captain Thornton.
Donations are down to by about 15 percent.
"We help people with their fuel, we help people with their rent, people with food all year and that's what this money goes for. It goes to keep the building open and keep things running," Captian Thornton explaiend.
Some of the people putting money in the kettles are not shocked to hear about the lack of donations.
"Just recently retired in September and I know it's tough for everybody," said Gary Beaver of Bowmanstown.
"It wouldn't surprise me one bit with the economy. Come on people, open up your purses. We need change and dollar bills!" said Sylvia Rocuskie of Hometown.
People give because they know the Salvation Army acts as safety net for people down on their luck.
"There are a few friends that have received help from them, the Salvation Army, and it does benefit them, meal wise, food wise," said Dave Hicks of Tamaqua.
The Salvation Army said nationally kettle collections are down by about 20 percent. If you want to volunteer to man a kettle call your nearest Salvation Army office.
