In Depth: Charity frustrations, celebrations & cruising into the New Year

(FOX 11) - SEGMENT ONE:

The Salvation Army of Southern California gets a chunk of the money it needs for its services throughout the year from its Kettle Campaign. Every year bell ringers lure us to their kettles as we go shopping. Officials with the Salvation Army say that because of an increasing number of people shopping online a decreasing number of people are passing their kettles at stores and malls to make donations.

Call it unintended consequences of technological advances. In light of that, the Salvation Army has been growing its online presence to try and makeup the difference in its losses. That's a process given that they have already lost for this past year 6% or some $300,000 in expected donations.

SEGMENT TWO:

Easterseals is 100-years-old in April of 2019. The celebration has begun with their first-ever float in the Rose Parade. They also started a new anniversary-year campaign on January first releasing a new public service announcement focusing on celebrating not separating or discrimination against those with special needs. Easterseals participants say they are often bullied for being in wheelchairs, mistreated and looked down upon. That's what this new campaign hopes to change.

SEGMENT THREE:

Carnival Cruise Line celebrated New Year's Day with its first-ever float in the Rose Parade as well. The float honors their new cruise ship the Panorama that will operate out of Long Beach. Carnival officials say cruising is growing in popularity. Some companies are targeting millennials. Others, seniors. And, dozens of new ships are about to be released by cruise lines as they bring bigger and more diverse ships online. New sky rides, roller coasters diverse restaurants are among the new trends.

SEGMENT FOUR:

Preview of our Northridge Earthquake 25th Anniversary Special.