OCALA – In a year where donations already are down, the local Salvation Army branch suffered another blow Wednesday when one of its signature red kettles was stolen. The Ocala Star-Banner reports that the theft occurred around 4 p.m. near the J. C. Penney area at the Paddock Mall.

Ocala police said a woman in charge of the kettle told them she left the it unattended for a short period of time and returned to find it missing. The kettle is valued at $45. It contained an unknown amount of cash.

Anyone with information about the theft can call the Ocala Police Department at 369-7000, Crime Line at 369-7061 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.