Love Thermometer Low

[Anchor Lead]

Christmas has come and gone once again this year amid a sluggish economy. Charitable giving to those in need continued this year as well but the famous "Love Thermometer" indicator is still at a low level.

[Pkg]

Children stamp their feet to the rhythm of a song. There is delicious cake and bountiful gifts. Earmuffs and mufflers look as warm as the hearts of people who prepared them. For Christmas, the childcare center bustled with joy.

[Soundbite] Lee Min-woong(Volunteer) : "I came here as if I were visiting family, not necessarily to accomplish anything but just to have a good time with the children."

This organization, which carried coal briquettes to a poor hilltop neighborhood until Christmas Eve has now prepared a hearty meal. For 20 years, the group has been sharing a warm meal with needy neighbors on Christmas Day. The sound of bells ringing on the street is a hallmark of Christmas. On and off, people stop by and drop donations in the charity kettle, but the participation rate is not what it was in past years.

[Soundbite] Lee Jong-sul(Salvation Army Volunteer) : "The giving is not generous these days, and that includes myself. If I don't have much myself, there really is no way."

The Love Thermometer which rises in accordance with the amount of year-end donations is still at 46.6 degrees. That's 5 degrees lower than the same time last year.