(AP) - The head of the Salvation Army division that covers Connecticut and Rhode Island says the charity came up short in terms of holiday donations.

The goal was to raise $1.9 million during the six weeks before Christmas, but the 200 bell-ringers at grocery and retail stores throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island, collected about $160,000 less than what the regional branch had hoped for.

Major William Bamford, divisional commander for Southern New England, says the amount represents a 10-percent decrease in giving from last year, which he attributes to the economy.

Bamford says the Salvation Army will try to make do with fewer resources.