Bethlehem, Pa. (WLVT) - The sound of bells ringing and coins dropping into Salvation Army red kettles is a reminder that it's the season of giving.
As of early December, the Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware has seen a 46% drop in curbside red kettle donations.
The drop comes at a time when the Army has seen an increase in the need for food, rent, and utility assistance.
"Come this week, sometime probably today or tomorrow, I will be completely out of rental assistance," said Elaine Rader, social services director at the Salvation Army in Bethlehem.
The charity says part of the drop in donations could be because some stores are asking them not to set up their curbside kettles so they can maintain social distancing.
The Salvation Army is finding new ways for the public to donate at the red kettle locations they do have. The charity is allowing donors to use a QR code instead of cash.