Charities are feeling the pinch of tough economic times. The Salvation Army is just one of several Omaha charities in need of more financial donations.

So far the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has raised $1.7 million. But that is more than $100,000 behind where they were last year.

The needs have also gone up. They have seen a 20 percent increase in demand this year for Christmas assistance services. To meet that demand this year’s goal is $2.8 million. That is $75,000 more than last year.

Major Merle Heatwole with the Salvation Army says they are most behind with their larger donations. He says many of those individuals and businesses have been waiting for investments to improve before donating. But he says smaller donations at the red kettles are also important.

"It's not just our top donors that are important,” says Heatwole. “It's all the people that give, whether it's a penny in the kettle or a dollar in the kettle, or 100 dollars in the kettle. All of those donations add up and really make a difference in the lives of the people in this community."

The Salvation Army depends on holiday donations to fund programs throughout the year.

"We know that it's been a difficult time for many people during this season,” says Heatwole. “And we appreciate the way the community in the past has always come through. And we're confident that they will come through again this year."

Theresa Jones works at the Pamida at 90th and Maple. She is one of several employees there who ring the bell on company time at the red kettle in front of the store.

"We try to collect money,” says Jones. And we've done some bake sales and things. And we're just trying to help (the Salvation Army) out as much as we can. "

Wanda Simonetti of Carter Lake is a regular Red Kettle donor.

“It helps everyone,” Simonetti says. “Anyone in need. And they do many good things for people all over."

Some other charities that can use more help during this holiday season include Catholic Charities, The Open Door Mission, and the Stephen Center.

Cash donations have been slower than previous years at Catholic Charities. They are down 30 percent from their goal. Although in kind donations of coats, food and other items have been good.

The Open Door Mission is always in need of cash donations. Their needs have grown by almost 50 percent in the last year, but monetary gifts have only grown one percent. They are also in need of more toys to provide Christmas presents for more than 4000 children.

The Stephen Center says cash donations are on par with last year. But there is always a need for more money to keep up with increasing demand.

For more information or to donate you can visit each charity’s website:

Salvation Army

Catholic Charities

Open Door Mission

Stephen Center