Crystal Lake-area charitable agencies report a drop in cash donations for this holiday season,but toy and food contributions have increased.
The Salvation Army of McHenry County,290 W.Crystal Lake Ave.,in Crystal Lake,at this time last year had about$25,000 more in its annual Red Kettle Campaign,said Garry Lowder,a major with the Salvation Army of McHenry County.
The goal for the annual Christmas Red Kettle campaign is$155,000,he said.
During the weekends,about 50 people ring hand bells in front of grocery stores and big-box department stores in about seven communities.
Adding to the low kettle collections,fewer bell ringers have been available during weekdays.For example,there were just 12 bell ringers out on Monday.
"If we had more(bell ringers)we would bring in more money,"Lowder said.
The campaign's donations help provide gifts,toys and food for about 600 families in the county,he said.
Lowder blames the bad economy and uncertainty about government decisions regarding charitable deductions for lack of donations.
If the Salvation Army does not raise$155,000 during the Red Kettle campaign,families will still be covered for Christmas,but other services may be cut back down the road.
"We can help people,but not as much as they would need,"Lowder said.
Through other campaigns the Salvation Army hopes to raise$400,000 throughout the holiday season.
Eighty-six percent of the annual donations help pay for such needs as rent and prescriptions,Lowder said.
His wife,Nancy Lowder,also a major with the Salvation Army of McHenry County,said the lack of bell ringers and snow—not making it feel enough like Christmas to prompt giving—each plays a part in low cash donations.
Although she said she is hopeful cash donations will spike in the next few days,she is"amazed"by the many toys that have been donated this year for younger children.
She said in the 36 years she has served the Salvation Army,she has only been able to give each child one toy.This year she can provide three toys to each child.There still is a need,however,for toys for older children,ages 10 to 16,she said.
"The folks of McHenry County have totally come through in toys,"she said."The outpouring of generosity of this type has been amazing."
The hand bell ringers will be out until Dec.24.After that,donations can be mailed to the Salvation Army of McHenry County,290 W.Crystal Lake Ave.in Crystal Lake.To volunteer to be a bell ringer and collect donations for the campaign call 815-455-2769.
Steve Otten,executive director of the United Way of Greater McHenry County,also said cash donations are down as the organization tries to reach its goal of$1.6 million for 2012.
"This economic environment is horrible,"Otten said."You've got the fiscal cliff out there with tax law changes coming up Dec.31.People are just sitting on their hands.People are seeing what is going to happen."
The organization,which also serves small parts of Lake County,served over 84,000 residents last year.The United Way helps support 22 local social service agencies in McHenry County helping residents in need—children through senior citizens.
