The Salvation Army in Tulsa stopped its kettle drive Sunday and resumed at half of its locations Thursday, said spokesman Brad Borror.

Money collected in the traditional red kettles is used in the Christmas campaign that gives toys and food to needy families.

"We've come to a screeching halt," Borror said. "If we don't get back to normal, we're going to be down at least $100,000 in kettle income."

Giving is down at the organization's Angel Tree locations at both Tulsa Promenade and Woodland Hills Mall.

The Salvation Army has been providing more than 1,000 meals a day to emergency responders.

"We are very aware that people don't have power and are not thinking about donating to the Salvation Army right now," Borror said. "But when things do get back to normal -- and they will get back to normal -- we hope the Christmas spirit will get in them and they think about giving."

It's a different story at the Day Center for the Homeless. People have continued their regular contributions, plus given money specifically for storm-related needs.

"And we are sorry for the grocery stores, but we have been reaping the benefits of their loss with perishable food being passed on to us," said Sandra Lewis, executive director of the shelter.

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"We had a shortage of stocking caps and gloves, but then we were given money to purchase them," Lewis said. "People are continuing, as is the nature of this community, to be generous.

"The end of the year will tell the tale. But right now the donations have been really amazing."

Catholic Charities was able to raise most of its needs for the holiday programs before the storm, said Kevin Sartorius, director of mission advancement.

"The timing was actually pretty good," Sartorius said. "We have a very distributive way of doing business by working through more than 70 churches."

The agency will be distributing food baskets to about 1,200 families and toys to about 1,000 children next week.

Sartorius said the annual dinner Jan. 12 that raises about $500,000 for the agency is behind.

"Because the printers are not working, we do not have our invitations out yet," Sartorius said. "So we've been caught off guard for that event." The impact on food drives will not be determined until at least next week, said Cindy Stevens, spokeswoman for the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

Drives were being held at businesses such as Reasor's, State Farm Insurance offices and a local TV station before the power went out.

"We won't know if those boxes are full yet until we pick them up," Stevens said. "We have not seen the brunt of it yet. Once people get power, they will see that they've lost.

"People living paycheck-to-paycheck will go to the pantries to replace what they've lost. That's when we'll see an increase."

Ginnie Graham 581-8376
ginnie.graham@tulsaworld.com