HIGH POINT – With donations down, The Salvation Army of High Point is appealing to residents to chip in to help meet what they say is a critical need for money and goods to provided services to the needy.

The Red Kettle Campaign, which ended Friday, took a big hit this year with last week’s snowstorms, Salvation Army officials said.

The Salvation Army estimates it lost around $5,000 due to the snowstorm, and donations also are down due to turbulent economic conditions.

Through Wednesday, The Salvation Army had raised $90,921.78 toward its overall goal of $120,000.

There’s a dire need for food, shelter and clothing among the area’s poor and jobless, according to The Salvation Army.

Wednesday and Thursday, The Salvation Army stepped up its Red Kettle efforts, hoping to make up for the drop in donations.

Though the Red Kettle Campaign ended on Thursday, it’s not too late to help, officials said. Family Stores can convert donations of apparel, household goods and furniture into bargains, with the proceeds from sale of these goods funding services all year.

The Salvation Army operates 16 Family Stores in the Piedmont region.

For information on how to help locally, call (336) 881-5400.