The leaders of many Salvation Army centers in Iowa are reporting deep declines in donations this holiday season at Red Kettle locations. Newton Salvation Army Captain Janelle Cleaveland says finding volunteers to serve as Red Kettle bell ringers has been difficult – especially on weekdays.

Cleaveland says the lack of volunteers has the annual fundraising campaign a long way from a goal of $33,000 – with just one week to go.
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In Council Bluffs-Omaha, the Salvation Army’s Jeff Beckman says Red Kettle donations are down just over eight-percent this year over last. He credits a decrease in traffic at shopping centers.Iowa
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Officials with the Salvation Army in Des Moines reported this week their Red Kettle campaign has raised around half of its $950,000 goal.