It’s one of the most familiar signs of the holiday season: The Salvation Army’s bright Red Kettles, set up outside stores all over town. But this year, those kettles are a little emptier than usual.

With Christmas Day just under two weeks away, donations to the Salvation Army’s 2013 Red Kettle Campaign in Lawrence are falling short of those at this time last year. The local campaign is about 45 percent of the way to its goal of $115,000 with about a week and a half to go until it ends on Christmas Eve.

“We are dependent on the funds we receive from the red kettles to help people in need in our community all year long,” said Lt. Matt McCluer of the Lawrence Salvation Army. “We’re counting on the many generous members of our community to dig a little deeper this year, if they’re able, to help us reach our goal.”

Donors can also make a credit card donation to the Lawrence Salvation Army by calling 800-SAL-ARMY or going online to donate.salvationarmyusa.org. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army at 946 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.