Salvation Army bell ringers are typically synonymous with the winter holiday season. But with the struggling economy hitting non-profits hard, the red kettles are coming out for a summertime drive, in San Antonio, Texas at least.

The unprecedented move is a reflection of just how bad non-profits — including those benefiting people with disabilities — are hurting.

Spina Bifida Texas, for example, has raised just one third the amount the group did last year. And, things are so bad that the group even canceled a planned golf fundraiser fearing that they would lose money on the event.

They’re not alone. Surveys and anecdotal evidence indicate that many people are scaling back their giving in these uncertain times forcing non-profits to lay off staff, halt expansion plans and develop new ways to obtain funds, reports the San Antonio Express-News. To read more click here.

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