Salvation Army $25,000 short of holiday fundraising goal in El Paso County

The Salvation Army of El Paso County is appealing to the public for more donations after its annual holiday fundraising campaign fell $25,000 short of its $500,000 goal.

The traditional donations — placed in red kettles manned by volunteers and staff ringing small bells — fund a number of programs for the needy.

Capt. Erin Kauffman, a coordinator with the agency, said collections are down because the area’s low unemployment rate resulted in fewer volunteers to work at 60 locations.

“We also use paid staff, but this year, we had far fewer volunteers than we’ve had in the past,” she said. “Not enough people to collect donations.”

Jim Slusser, a first-time volunteer, said he noticed the trend.

“They fell off toward the end,” he said. “Some were sick, some had family issues. I’m surprised we fell short, because it seemed that we’d make it.”

Kauffman said if the shortfall isn’t resolved before the end of the year, the agency will have to reduce or cut programs that people like Slusser depend on, such as a Christmas toy giveaway.

“I live in their transitional housing unit for veterans,” Slusser, a Marine veteran, said. “Before that, I was in their homeless shelter. This works a lot better for me. Within a year, I’m hoping to be on my own, sharing an apartment with a few friends.”

Kauffman asks that people continue to donate through Dec. 31 by contacting the Salvation Army.