A lot of salvation army kettles are emptier than usual this holiday season, and some officials blame the bitterly cold weather. In Kansas City, the army’s Colonel Ted Dahlberg worries about the people who will be hurt if donations don’t pick up in a big way. He says people having problems getting clothing or paying their heating bills are the most likely to get hurt first if donations stay well under hopes. He notes about half of the Salvation Army’s budget for his area comes from Christmas giving.
