Donations to the Salvation Army are down this holiday season compared to the same period last year, according to the charity's divisional commander Lester Ferguson.  Ferguson said the Salvation Army still has to meet 30 percent of its quota.  He said that this time last year, it was off by 10 percent.  This year, there are 30 red kettles across New Providence, he said, adding that the organization has raised $114,000 since November 28. The bell ringing program will end Christmas Eve.

The kettle drive is a key fundraising event for the charity every year.  The Salvation Army's bell ringers collected $160,000 last year.  The organization hopes to bring in $163,000 this holiday season.  "We understand the [state of the] economy," Ferguson said, "but we are still hopeful."
The funds raised from the bell ringers are used for the Salvation Army's programs, which support people in need.The funds also help support the School for the Blind.

Ferguson noted that the Salvation Army also hopes to help 5,500 people this month through its Christmas Cheer Program.  He also said that in January the Salvation Army will hold a bell ringers appreciation luncheon for those who helped out.  The Rotary Clubs, the Zonta Clubs, local fraternities and the Kiwanis Clubs are providing support and have given almost 3,800 volunteer hours to the Salvation Army this holiday season, according to Ferguson.  "We want to show our appreciation," he said.

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