The Salvation Army in Muscatine, Iowa is struggling to meet their fundraising goal which funds the organization for the 2015 fiscal year.
The Army's goal was to raise $150,000 this year, but it's raised just over $50,000 with less than a week to go. In 2013 the Army raised $100,000.
"It's getting harder to raise the money," said Lily Reinier, a volunteer with the Salvation Army for the past four years.
According to volunteers, they have been receiving less donations while more people in the community are needing assistance.
"There are more people in need now with prices going up," Reinier said.
The Army said they have seen a decrease in the number of volunteers, and they are desperately searching for bell ringers.
"There have been times when we haven't had bell ringers at some of our sights so people aren't dropping any money in the red kettle," Reinier said. "They just walk right past them and that's why we aren't getting as much money as we have in the past.
The Red Kettle Drive is located at both Hy-Vee grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Pearl Plaza, Wester Drug, Ace Hardware and Walgreens. It's the time of year where the Salvation Army receives the majority of their donations.
Dean Wooten has volunteered to ring the bell for the past five years because the Salvation Army assisted him several years ago.
"When I lived out on the farm, my house burnt to the ground," Wooten said, dressed in a Santa outfit as he rang the bell at Hy-Vee on Thursday. "The Salvation Army helped me, so now I want to pay them back."
As customers would walk in and out of the store, Wooten would exclaim, "Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas."
The Red Kettle Drive at the Hy-Vee at 2600 2nd Avenue collected several donations on Thursday, and the amount collected was matched by a secret Santa.
If you are interested in donating or volunteering, you can contact the Salvation Army in Muscatine at 563-263-8272.