It's a Salvation Army tradition for volunteers to ring bells in
front of stores, hoping people will donate to those in need
during the season of giving. But this year there are two big
reasons Houstonians may not be as giving as usual. |
It’s around ten in the morning…and it's cold. But that’s not
stopping Robert Estrada from smiling at each person who walks
into this Houston Wal-Mart. Some smile or say hi, but most just
walk into the store like he’s not even there. But over all
Robert says he is getting money.
"We’re getting many, many dollars from the people."
It's not just money the Salvation Army needs. They give out
truck loads of toys to needy families every Christmas. But this
year there was this thing called Hurricane Ike. A hurricane plus
a sour economy equals less donations. Juan Alanis works for the
Salvation Army and explains how bad the situation is.
"Usually by this time of year, we have that facility pretty
full with donations and toys and this year we’re running pretty
low on toys that have been donated so far."
Since no one is giving a bailout to Houstonians, Alanis believes
this year’s donation could fall short.
"You’ve got so many people who need more help, and at the
same time you’ve got a lot of people that can’t help
anymore. They’re not in a position to help like they were in
the past." |
