Times are tough this year for everyone, including The Salvation Army of the Midlands. The charity, known for assisting the city's homeless and underprivileged population, is experiencing lower numbers in giving than expected.

"We are down 45 percent in our monetary donations from this time last year," said Captain Gene E. Harrell, Jr., area coordinator for The Salvation Army in Columbia. "Christmas programs for Midlands children are also suffering. Two thousand children were assigned to the Angel Tree program, which allows parents or guardians to list preferred gifts for children. Half have been adopted, and only a quarter of the gifts for these children have been turned in. This means that 1,750 children will not receive gifts without support— and those are only the children registered with Angel Tree."

Captain Harrell said he understands that many in the community are struggling financially, but he hopes people will take to heart this urgent call for donations and support of The Salvation Army's Christmas programs.

"The last date to pick a child from the Angel Trees located at Columbia Place Mall, Columbiana Centre, and Dutch Square Mall was this Sunday, December 14," he said.

The Salvation Army distributed Angel Tree Christmas gifts from December 16 until the 19 at the South Carolina State Fair Grounds.

More than 2,500 families were scheduled to receive assistance this Christmas season. The figure includes approximately 5,000 children, 2,000 of whom are registered with Angel Tree.

"Please help us assist the underprivileged in this community by sending monetary donations," he said. "Never has there been a need like the one we face today."

Donations may be mailed to P.O. Drawer 2786, Columbia, SC 29202. Angel Trees and other gifts can be delivered to 2025 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

For more information, please contact Seth Taylor, public relations and volunteer coordinator, at 667-4943, or by e-mail at Seth.Taylor@uss.salvationarmy. org.