The rainy weather has put a damper on the salvation army's christmas kettle campaign. Not as many people are stopping to drop donations into the red kettles. Major Richard Watts says donations are down nearly $20,000 so far, and he anticipates the total will be around $40,000 less than last year. "That's extremely critical to us because we use all those funds to help people here in Northwest Arkansas," Watts says. That money is needed now more than ever. Because while donations are down, the number of needy families in Northwest Arkansas is going up. And Watts says not enough people have donated gifts for the Angel Tree Program. In fact, more than 400 people with angels have not turned in a toy. "We're a little bit panicky right now, frantic to get everything back." The Salvation Army is extending the donation deadline to Sunday. But with fundraising flailing, Watts is worried about having enough money to buy the extra toys. "We might find ourselves looking for someone to pay our utility bill or to assist us with food because frankly we'll be out of resources."
