The Salvation Army chapter in Kingston is still $38,000 short of its $65,000 goal in its annual Red Kettle Campaign, with just 13 days left.

Raising approximately $3,000 a day in cash and checks, from now until Christmas Eve, might be doable if the agency can attract more bell ringers.

"There isn't enough of us," bell ringer Caitlin Johnson said on Tuesday morning at her Kingston Plaza kettle location. "We've lost people, gained people, and [we've had] people leaving."

The lieutenants at the Kingston office told Spectrum News they could have bell ringers at eleven locations, but the number of ringers volunteering per day is enough for five or six locations.

"We feel a lot of pressure," Lieutenant Samantha Keaton said.

According to Keaton, the $65,000 would make up the Kingston chapter's entire budget for 2019. Programs for women and children held throughout the year require utilities and food, she said. Those costs are covered through the kettle campaign.

"This is money that we still use in June, July, and next September. This is a crucial time period for us," Keaton said. 

Several cash donors were surprised the holiday campaign was running behind. Bill Graves, one of those donors, seemed moved by the news.

"Aw, man," Graves said with a sigh. "I'm so busy myself, but I'll look into it."

Anyone wishing to donate money or volunteer their time is encouraged to contact the Salvation Army's Kingston office.