Salvation Army Donations Down in Mass.

The Massachusetts Salvation Army said donations for its Red Kettle campaign are down this holiday season.

The charitable organization said as of Friday, it has collected just over $2 million, which is 40 percent short of its goal. The collection campaign ends Christmas Eve.

“If you’re heading out during this busy shopping weekend, please take a moment to express your generosity by dropping a donation in a Red Kettle,” said Salvation Army official David Davis in a statement. “Small or large, every Red Kettle donation supports those in need. This kindness is especially important during the holiday season, as many families continue to struggle.”

The Salvation Army provides, food, housing, and children’s programs—among other initiatives—for the state’s needy. Donations also help rehabilitate drug addicts. The state has seen a surge of overdose deaths this month.

Earlier this month, an anonymous widow dropped her wedding and engagement rings in a kettle. Another widow offered a $21,000 donation and asked the rings be returned to their owner.

Being a kettle bellringer doesn’t come without risks. A 50-year-old man manning a kettle in Arlington was run over by a car and suffered minor injuries this week in Arlington.

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Photo credit: mrityunjay sharma1 via Flickr