Salvation Army: We Need Your Help Urgently

The New Jersey Division of the Salvation Army says it's seeing a steep drop in donations—and needs your help.

"Kettle donations are down.  Cash donations are down.  However, requests for assistance are significantly up," the Salvation Army said in a statement on the New Jersey Division's website. "And, the cost to provide services to the needy has skyrocketed in past years."

The organization said donations are used throughout the whole year, but if the New Jersey Division doesn't meet its goals for the season, services will need to be reduced.

"Throughout the recession The Salvation Army has been helping those in need.  Not just the homeless and downtrodden but often people who have been our donors and supporters in the past," it said on the website. "Job cuts have been made from modest positions up through to executives.  No one has been spared.  And many are using their life savings or have gone through it already trying to keep food on the table and a roof over the families."

To make a donation online, visit  www.salvationarmynj.org/christmas.  To make a donation by phone, call 908-851-8232.  To make a donation by mail, send your check to The Salvation Army, PO Box 3170, Union, NJ 07083.  To make a text donation, text GIVENJ to 85944 and reply YES to confirm a $5 donation.  For more information, call 908-851-8227.

In Morris County, the Salvation Army has locations in Dover and Morristown.