WASHINGTON — It’s a time-honored tradition. When you go shopping during the holidays, you are going to hear a bell ringing and see that iconic Salvation Army red kettle.

You’ve likely seen them around in numerous places this year. But, what’s not being seen is the level of donations that have been dropped in the kettles in years past.

“Right now we’re 15 percent behind where we were this time last year,” said Major James Hall of the D.C. Area Salvation Army. “We’ve had some challenges with the kettles. It may be that people are moving toward a cashless society. It could be the weather. It could be a lot of different issues, but we’re a little down this year.”

The goal of the D.C. area Salvation Army is to raise $1.4 million dollars this year, and that money will be used to help neighbors.

“All the monies and all the gifts in those areas stay in those areas. if you give locally, it stays locally,” he said. “This year we’re going to help over 80,000 of our neighbors to be kept warm, safe and have food in their bellies.”

But he’s optimistic. “The good news is that we have a week to catch up on what we’re behind. Christmas always brings out the best in people, and this next week we’re hoping people can experience generosity.”

And you don’t have to brave the cold to find one of those Salvation Army red kettles to donate, you can do it online, from the warmth of your home.