The Salvation Army is facing some tough decisions as their Christmas Kettle Campaign has run into serious difficulties.

The annual fundraiser – which is the main source of donations and revenue – is in deep trouble, the organization said Wednesday.

“The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign comes  to an end Saturday, Dec. 23rd, but they are extremely short of their $65,000 goal,” the Sally Ann said in a statement.

“To date, they’ve  reached only $26,580, and have 35 empty shifts – one location has no volunteers at all.”

Claudine Kirby, who is organizing the campaign told the Star Thursday she is at a loss to explain what is happening.

“It’s disastrous,” she agreed to a question posed by the Star. “I don’t know what’s happening.”

Five years ago, when she last organized the Kettle campaign, there was a base of nearly 200 volunteers to fall back on.

Now, it’s fewer than 40. There simply aren’t enough warm bodies to go around.

“It’s very difficult,” Kirby said. “We’re really hoping for a miracle turnaround this week.

“We were hoping to expand our program (s),” Kirby added.

“We will have to reduce the number of clients we serve throughout the year at our food program,” Kirby said.

She is asking for donations at the kettle, or for those who can,  to take a shift or two in the next few days to help fill the kettles.

The organization helps about 100 people a month with food needs, she said.

The Salvation Army had been hoping to increase that to 150-200 people a month, but will be hard-pressed to maintain the current levels.

The Kettle Campaign is nearly the sole source of funding for the Army’s annual needs, Kirby said.

She agreed the organization might have to re-think that strategy and try something new, but all the attention right now is on the current campaign.

In the news release, the Army stated, “As earlier reported, some locations had to close this year and right now, with 35 shifts available, there  are no volunteers at all at one of the four remaining locations today.

“The result is that programs will be  affected.”

Anyone with two hours to spare is asked to call 335-0571 to sign up today to ring the bells at a kettle. 

“Our volunteers are the absolute critical piece of the puzzle to make our kettle campaign a success,”  said Maj. Al Hoeft, the divisional public relations secretary.

“No volunteers means our kettles can’t collect  donations, and we possibly don’t meet our goal. We need your help to make we can serve our clients all  year-round.” 

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882.

It has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country.

The  Sally Ann gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world.

The Salvation Army also offers practical assistance for children and  families, often tending to the basic necessities of life.

“When you give to the Salvation Army, you are  investing in the future of marginalized and vulnerable people in your community,” the Army said.