Salvation Army bell-ringers help provide for those in need

There’s usually an increase in charitable giving during the holidays. It’s not that those needing assistance are fewer during other times of the year; it’s that the spirit of the holidays moves people to give a little more.

Unfortunately, tough times often result in a drop in donations. And while we all hope our national jobs crisis improves soon, the sad fact is that millions of Americans have become unemployed since this time last year. At the time of this writing, our national unemployment rate is at 10 percent, while the state unemployment rate is just above 12 percent.

As a result, charities are seeing a major surge in requests for help, and many food pantries are struggling to keep their shelves stocked.

The combination of fewer donations and greater need means many more people face the prospect of hunger pangs this Christmas. That’s not something we should be willing to let happen. Those of us with the resources to meet our own needs would do well to take stock of our blessings, and consider sharing those blessings with those most in need.

For people looking for a way to help others this Christmas season, it’s as easy as dropping a couple of bucks in the red kettle.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign was born in 1891. Since then, its storefront bell ringers and familiar red kettles have become a part of Christmas tradition and one of the world’s most recognized charity fundraisers. The Christianity-based charity estimates that more than 25,000 volunteers spread throughout the country each year to solicit spare change donations. Volunteers come from civic organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and other clubs, as well as churches and various community groups.

Importantly, the Salvation Army estimates that 83 cents of each dollar donated goes to directly benefit someone in need. Funds are used to provide food, clothes and other assistance to individuals and families that request help.

(This year, the Salvation Army is expanding beyond pocket change, as hundreds of bellringers – including some in South Carolina – have begun accepting credit and debit cards. People can also make donations at its Web site.)

With the state of the current economy, many who have never asked for assistance before are finding themselves in trouble. If you have a job and are doing just fine, there are many ways you can help those who are not, including dropping a couple of extra bucks in the red kettle. Regardless of how you decide to help, let’s make a special commitment to remember those less fortunate, this Christmas and beyond.