The Salvation Army may be affected the most by the ban because it used to place about 130 bell ringers in shopping malls and at storefronts. In 2001, the kettles drew about $500,000, but that total has declined steadily since more malls moved to ban nonprofit groups, said Daniel de Castro, Salvation Army spokesman.

At Ala Moana Center alone, he said, the bell ringers used to raise about $50,000 each holiday season.

"Those nickels, dimes and quarters really do add up," de Castro said. "We have a generous community and they realize that those kettles are part of Christmas. But when they don't see them at the malls, people actually get upset. They say that's part of Christmas. But we can't do anything because it's a national company that has that policy that impacts all the malls."

The money collected helps the needy during the holidays, as well as the Salvation Army's other programs, which include the Angel Tree, Lokahi Giving Tree, and Toys for Tots. De Castro said the money also funds programs year-round.

This season, the red kettles can be found at most Safeways, Times, Longs Drugs, Daieis, Wal-Mart, and at the Macy's store in Waikiki. De Castro said the Salvation Army is still awaiting word from Kmart.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will not be very disappointed with the outcome of donations this year," de Castro said. "We're optimistic, but at the same time we know that we've lost so many places in the last three, four years, so we really have to be hopeful that people will come through and feel very generous this holiday season."