DONATIONS TO TWO FUND-RAISERS SLOW

'Tis the season to be jolly, but area civic organizations are finding 'tis not the season of giving freely.

Donations to both the Salvation Army and the Mid-America Teen Challenge fund-raising campaigns have come in at a trickle since Thanksgiving. Both organizations are relying on these campaigns to raise funds for important projects.

"We are at about $86,000 and our goal is $160,000," said Capt. Robert Gauthier of the Salvation Army. "I am really concerned because the mail appeals and the kettles have really dropped off."

Gauthier said the money raised during the holiday season is used not only to fund special Christmas projects but also to support the organization year-round. The Salvation Army provides food baskets, toys, and nursing home gifts during Christmas, he said, but provides all manner of services throughout the year.

In order to reach the campaign goal, Gauthier said the Salvation Army will have to collect approximately $7,000 before Dec. 22. "We only have 10 days left," he said, "and we have to raise half of the money in that time."

Jack Smart, executive director of Mid-America Teen Challenge, said his organization is still $128,000 short of the amount it needs to collect. "We've got a ways to go," he said. "I would have to say donations have been fair, but slower than normal."

Smart and Gauthier both said they believe unusual temperatures in the last week may have affected donations. However, Smart said a larger factor may have been the shortened length of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.

"Christmas is closer to Thanksgiving this year," Smart said. "The Sunday after Thanksgiving was Dec. 1, and I think most people take a week to get into gear for Christmas. I think that's played a role in (the decrease in donations)."

Smart said approximately $372,000 has been collected toward the local goal of $500,000 needed for extensive renovations and repairs at the center. A statewide Teen Challenge goal of $2,650,000 must be collected before Feb. 27, he said, in order to receive a challenge grant for an additional $350,000.

"We do have some folks we've contacted that made some positive responses," said Smart, "but we need to turn those into pledges. Until they sign on the dotted line, it doesn't count."