MEDINA — Red kettle donations are down this year, according to the Salvation Army of Medina.

Christmas toy donations also are down even though need is growing. More than 44 percent of the families that applied for Christmas assistance this year through the Salvation Army of Medina never applied before.

The Salvation Army’s goal is $78,000 in kettle donations. Red kettle campaign proceeds not only serve families that applied for Christmas assistance, but provide food, clothing, youth education programs, hot meals, utility assistance and other services year-round.

As of last week, the Salvation Army was $2,000 behind last year.

“I’m afraid we won’t achieve our goal this year if donations don’t increase dramatically over the next two weeks,” Capt. Sienna Jackson said in a statement.

The Salvation Army still needs new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls from 6 months to 18 years. Toy suggestions include board games, footballs, basketballs, skateboards, Barbie dolls, CD players, MP3 players, digital cameras, makeup sets, jewelry sets, and arts and crafts.

Donations can be delivered to the Salvation Army, 425 W. Liberty St., or to The Gazette’s Not-Forgotten Box, 885 W. Liberty St., Medina.

For large donations, call (330) 722-6488 to have it picked up.

As of Tuesday, The Gazette had collected about 600 toys for the Salvation Army, and Not-Forgotten Box donations will be accepted through Friday. The newspaper also is collecting nonperishable food items.

Anyone wishing to donate also can choose to purchase a toy from one of the Salvation Army’s Angel Trees located at Yours Truly, Western Reserve Bank, Cool Beans, Medina Community Recreation Center, CVS Pharmacy or visit JCPenney at www.jcp.com.

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