PLATFORM : Truly Special Season

Sharing is a part of our way of life in America. I think charitable enterprises across the country have been well supported by Americans in the past.

However, there’s been a tremendous increase in costs, and donations are not keeping pace. It’s obvious that the economic slowdown has had an impact because donations (of goods to the Salvation Army) have fallen off tremendously and the average dollar amount donated is down 8% to 10% nationally. Locally, the amount of donated toys is down about 25% and donations of clothing and other goods are down about 25%.

There are more people on the street and more people in need.

Christmas is supposed to be a special season--a season of joy and peace and happiness. We do take care of people year-round. But at Christmastime we like to do something extra for the kids by providing clothing or toys that their families couldn’t. We need support to make Christmas truly special.