English.news.cn 2011-12-23 07:59:59 |
by Katherine Harbin
CHICAGO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- It is still the "season of giving, " but tough economic times have put a strain on so many Americans' paychecks this year that holiday donations and charitable contributions have fallen at some Chicago relief organizations.
For many Americans, the holiday season goes in hand with Salvation Army bell ringers, the thousands of volunteers who stand outside stores and street corners collecting charitable donations for the famous relief organization. The donations, which are collected in a signature red kettle, go towards funding local Salvation Army community centers and programs for those who are struggling.