NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- It's usually a fixture of city streets around Christmas, but tinkling bells are back next week as a group feeling the effects of a struggling economy looks for your help.
WCBS Reporter Paul Murnane finds out that fundraising for the Salvation Army is actually described as steady, but the organization says there's been a huge upswing in demand.
"There has been an unbelievable cry for help," said Major Evan Hickman.
LISTEN: Christmas in July 
Hickman says food and shelter programs, rent and utility assistance efforts are in need.
"Eighty-nine cents out of every dollar we receive goes right back into the program. We don't have a lot of overhead costs so now more than ever we've got to take this money we raise and put it right back into our much needed programs," said Hickman.
The bells and kettles come out for the week of July 13th with the hope that the holiday spirit of charity is alive and well in the heat of summer.
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