‘Tis the season

Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 | 2:01 a.m.

Fewer coins are going into the Salvation Army’s red kettles this year, officials say. Donations have fallen throughout most of the country, and the charity isn’t seeing the giving keeping pace with the demand for help.

According to USA Today, the charity saw a record last year, with $139 million in total giving, $9 million more than the previous year. But this year things are different. In the West, kettle donations are down 3 percent. In Minnesota and North Dakota, kettle donations are off as much as 20 percent.

“We believe it is the economy,” said Annette Bauer, a Salvation Army spokeswoman. “We started seeing a slide down as of January 2010 because of the Haiti donations that were given by our generous donors and, of course, sent overseas.

“The expectation was, as in the past, donors would give to both the national disaster relief and to local efforts in a steady manner. However, we really never recovered from the January outpouring for Haiti.”

However, some areas are seeing an increase. Giving in North Carolina and South Carolina, for example, is up 16 percent. But the good news has been tempered by the fact that requests for help in those states are up 20 to 40 percent.

The Salvation Army isn’t alone. Other charities are reporting similar situations, suffering from the poor economy along with the would-be donors. According to a Harris Poll released last month, Americans are giving less this year than in the past and are giving to fewer organizations. Americans, however, haven’t given up on giving. The poll also found that 8 in 10 Americans say they are making some sort of contribution to organizations and causes they care about.

“People are still acknowledging that even small contributions are important,” the Harris Poll reported. “And significant numbers say they are still willing to be extremely involved or give generously of their time and money.”

That is good news, but not a surprise. Americans have a solid reputation for their generosity and charitable spirit. The country’s response to the devastation from the earthquake in Haiti is a great example of that. Americans donated millions of dollars to the relief effort, as well as sending plenty of volunteers to help.

At home, Americans have supported many worthy organizations and causes over the years, from sending relief to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina to helping the local soup kitchen.

In tough economic times, it’s difficult to think of charity, particularly in Nevada. But people don’t have to think of money. There are many things people can do aside from writing a check, including setting aside canned goods for a food closet, volunteering or doing a good deed for someone who needs help.

Anything people can do this year is important. Every little bit helps — even if it’s putting a few coins in the kettle.