Pictured on the front page are Heathwood Hall Episcopal School students help ring the bell for The Salvation Army. Sarah Hunter, Christine Fiedler, Avnika Amin, and Thad Moore.

Photo by Jim Covington Walker Sojourner, Tom Bryan, and Belton Amaker ring the bell for The Salvation Army. 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 forty-five 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.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.

Photo by Jim Covington Anne Juk and Frances McMeekin ring the bell for The Salvation Army.