(La Porte, IN) - Money dropped into Salvation Army kettles is noticeably down in many areas nationwide. In La Porte, the kettle drive is less than halfway to the $85,000 goal for the season with less than a week until Christmas.  La Porte Salvation Army Capt. Charles Pinkston said the current total stands at about $40,000.

He believes inflation is a major reason for what’s been considerably less giving.

“The prices on everything have gone up.  People have less disposable income they’re able to give,” he said.

Pinkston said meeting the fundraising goal helps keep up with the demand for assistance the following year.

“If we don’t meet that goal, chances are after the first of the year we’ll have to revise the budget and that could mean not being able to help as many people as we normally would,” he said.

People have until Christmas Eve to drop money into the kettles. Historically, there’s usually a surge in money dropped into the kettles as Christmas approaches. Pinkston said he is not sure if the gap can be closed enough but is hopeful.

“We’re trying to be optimistic what we need will, eventually, come our way,” he said.