Pueblo, Colo.- The Salvation Army in Pueblo announced today that donations for the Christmas season are down 52% when compared to last year and still needs to raise nearly $75,000 in order to meet this year's goal.

The decrease in giving could significantly impact the operations and services The Salvation Army provides to the Pueblo community.

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign started 1891 in San Francisco as a way to raise money to provide a Christmas Dinner to the area's needy.

Today, the red kettles are a holiday tradition that helps make the work of The Salvation Army possible year round. The donations made to local red kettles stay in the community and help provide services to those in need. This year, the need for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign is even greater as we reach out to more families and individuals than ever before.

"The funds we collect during this time of year are used over a 12 month period, not just at Christmas," emphasized Envoy Rose Mertz, representative for The Salvation Army, "The money we collect now will have a significant impact on what services we can provide in 2013."

If the necessary funds are not raised during this critical time, then The Salvation Army may have no choice but to restructure programs such as warming shelter for men, daily feeding program, emergency food and services in 2013 in Pueblo. The public is being asked to help as much as possible over the next couple weeks with donations in the kettles, online, via phone or mail.

"This is a dire situation, but we remain hopeful that the community will step forward to help The Salvation Army serve those in their greatest need," said Envoy Mertz, "Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter and dollar helps tremendously and really benefits the Pueblo community. You can't believe how quickly it adds up."