ATLANTA -- The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta said Wednesday that donations to its Red Kettle Campaign are down this year.
The organization hopes to raise $2 million for the holiday season. A week before Christmas, it is more than $800,000 short.
Because Thanksgiving fell on such a late date, it shortened the Red Kettle season by five days, which equals a loss of about $20 million in donations nationwide.
"I am very concerned about the lost Kettle days this year and how it will impact our ability to help those who are hurting," Maj. Todd Hawks of the Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta said in a release. "We're hoping that shoppers will remember their neighbors in need when they see a Salvation Army bell ringer in the community during the coming days."
Money dropped into the Red Kettles provides rent and utility assistance, food and shelter to metro Atlanta residents in need, according to the Salvation Army.
11Alive Help Desk | Holiday donation drives
