SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (WHBL) - The local need is great and the Salvation Army is doing it's best to bring in donations for it's year round assistance programs and to collect toys for it's Toys for Tots distribution.  Those wishing to donate new toys should bring them on Dec. 19th from 9-4 to the Mall's west entrance marked with the Salvation Army red shield.  

Donations are down $4,500 in the red kettle drive and general donations are at 40% of the Army's Christmas goal of $500,000.  "We are facing cuts in government funding for our housing programs, and we continue to see new households at risk of homelessness," commented JoAnne Kemnitz, Social Service Director.  "Even though some people are finding employment, most are underemployed with low wages and/or hours.  It's hardly enough to pull people out of their crushing debt."  Donations can be put in the red kettles or sent to:  The Salvation Army, PO Box 1207, Sheboygan, WI 53082-1207.