OKC Salvation Army Short Of Goal For Red Kettles

The Salvation Army set up Red Kettles outside of retail stores in the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but had six fewer days to collect donations compared to last year.

"It is sad," said Jeanean South, Director of Development for the Salvation Army. 

South says the non-profit will have less money to help people in 2014.

This season, the Red Kettle campaign collected $100,000 less in Oklahoma County than the $434,000 the group raised in 2012.

The group also blames some of the shortfall on the winter storms that forced bell ringers to shorten shifts. Several shoppers were also left homebound a number of days during the fundraising season.

"We put in God's hand and hope the community will pull through," South said.

The Salvation Army will accept donations at www.okckettle.org until the end of the year. All money will stay local.