The Voice - Student Newspaper

Charities in desperate need of donations for the holidays

By Mary Allan
Reporter, The VOICE

Donations to the Salvation Army and other charities in Phoenix, AZ have been lower than expected for the 2008 holiday season. The poor economy seems to be the culprit.

Phoenix is not the only city in the United States who is suffering from lack of donations.

According to the New York Times, such cities as in Detroit, Newark, and Southern California are down. Paul Curnow, the Salvation Army's development director in Phoenix, cited a 12 percent to 25 percent drop in donations.

One of the main events that the Salvation Army needs donations for is the free Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner.

If you want to help provide turkey dinners one event you can participate in is the 15th Annual Big Guy Turkey Drive with 3TV's Big Guy, Brad Cesmat. 3TV and The Salvation Army are teaming up with the Phoenix Suns to present the Turkey Drive on November 20th as the Suns take on the L.A. Lakers!

Bring a frozen turkey to the game and drop it off at the Big Guy Turkey Drive booth on the plaza of US Airways Arena.

Can't bring a turkey? Cash donations will also be accepted to help the Salvation Army provide Thanksgiving dinners to the Valley's neediest.

The other event is the Christmas Angel Program. Approximately 50,000 children qualify for the Salvation Army's Christmas Angel Program. Their families all have incomes below the federal poverty level and many have special hardships.

Participating malls in the valley will have Christmas trees with children's names and requests. Take the tag to the volunteers on sight and they will help you to donate.

Also another way to donate is at the traditional Red Kettle donation sites at the local malls.