Red kettle donations down
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- 'Tis the season of giving, but this year, the economy is making it hard for some people to dig into their pockets.
The Salvation Army says donations are down at the kettles this year. The goal is $200,000 and right now, ringers are looking to still raise $20,000.
All the money raised goes to programs the organization offers to inner-city youth and families.
Felix Perez of the Salvation Army said, "We've got a 30 percent increase in the need in our at-risk communities, and we've got an after-school program that helps with literacy, computer learning, a music school, a summer camp. And we also have a job skills that both adults and youth can come onto our computers, take some courses, get certificates and help move towards employment."
There will be 40 kettle sites across the Capital Region Tuesday through Saturday.
Capital News 9 staff will be ringing the bells at Crossgates Mall from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday.