Christmas donations have plummeted across North Dakota and greater Minnesota. Compared to last year at this time, the St. Cloud Salvation Army is behind $85,000. Mankato’s deficit is $55,000. Fargo is down $45,000. Albert Lea is not far behind lagging a little over $42,000.

“The list goes on,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Sjögren, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “It’s critical that we reach our Christmas goals in greater Minnesota and North Dakota. In many communities, The Salvation Army is their primary source of serving people in need. Without funding, these locations will have less food, clothing, energy assistance and other critical services to offer in 2013.”

The Twin Cities Salvation Army is on pace to reach its goal. Excluding the Twin Cities, The Salvation Army has 20 centers of operation in Minnesota and North Dakota. Only two cities in each state are on pace to reach their goal: Duluth and Hibbing in Minnesota, and Grand Forks and Williston in North Dakota.

The impending blizzard sure to hit many of these areas as well as Freeborn County will only dampen the likelihood of reaching these goals. The estimated snowfall along with the blowing winds are likely to produce blizzard like conditions slowing or even stalling the local shopping and donations at the kettle sites.

You can give at a kettle, drop money off at The Salvation Army office on Court Street in Albert Lea or make a donation online.

Volunteers who would like to ring bells may go to the Salvation Army website at http://dev.thesalarmy.org/community/albert-lea/ to register online. At this site, click “Register to Ring” which will enable you to set up your own account by entering your email address and a password. From there you may select the day, time and location. After you make your selection a confirmation email will be sent back to those who register online. If you have any questions or would like to register by phone, call 373-5710.