The Red Kettle Campaign in the Greater Danbury area is reporting that donations are down about 30-percent. 

Local Salvation Army Advisory Board chairman Geoff Herald says the decline will impact immediate social outreach efforts.  Herald says that's for things like heating assistance, clothing, rental assistance, and reaching out to families in dire financial need.  The program also supports the Right Place School Readiness Program and Family Center as well as youth camp.

Herald says the money raised not only helps during Christmas and Thanksgiving but also sustains vital programs and services throughout the year.

The Salvation Army says 82 cents of every dollar that is donated goes back to programs that serve the hungry, homeless, and frail.