Salvation Army bell-ringing volunteers decrease

The Salvation Army of Clark County is reporting that volunteerism, large donations and even applications for minimum-wage employment are down this holiday season.

Maybe that’s because of an improving economy. A statement from the Christian nonprofit agency speculates that folks are starting to get “higher paying service jobs instead of minimum wage to stand in the cold and rain.”

“For us, not having enough workers results in valuable store fronts going unmanned,” the statement says.

At least 13 percent of the agency’s annual budget comes from the donations that local shoppers drop into red kettles in front of Fred Meyer and other local stores. The Salvation Army uses that money to provide Christmas food and gifts for needy people as well as housing and services for Salvation Army clients all year long.

It’s also come to count on some big donations that have not come through this year, according to the statement from Majs. Michael and Susan Nute, leaders of the Salvation Army Clark County.

This weekend, the Nutes added, the Salvation Army is glad to have youth participation from groups such as the Washington Timbers Soccer Club, Pop Warner Football and the Skyview Key Club and Skyview girls basketball team.

But, “Unfortunately, even these numbers are down. Last year we had many more youth and more hours.”

For more details regarding volunteer opportunities call JD Chandra at 360-448-2874.