The WJBC Brotherhood Tree's deadline to accept gifts is Wednesday. (WJBC file photo)
By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Demand is up while gifts so far are down for this year's WJBC Brotherhood Tree, as the annual gift collection aims to help several thousand families throughout McLean County this Christmas.
Co-chairman Bob Bradley told WJBC's Red Pitcher, the Brotherhood Tree is not alone.
"It's not atypical in regard to other charities," Bradley said. "I know people associated with other non-profits and they are all reporting the same thing, the need has gone up and contributions have gone down."
Bradley said the annual holiday campaign has requests from an additional 200 households this year.
"What that translates to is probably 900 to 1,000 more recipients, so if the level of gift giving is the same as last year, that's not going to meet it," Bradley said.
Bradley said gifts in great demand are for adults, teens 13 to 16 and children ages 9 to 12. WJBC.com has a Pay Pal link for cash donations and a list of suggestions for what to buy, along with a list of drop-off sites.
The deadline for donations is Wednesday.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
