Though overall numbers are down slightly from last year, the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas throughout Europe is on track to raise $5 million.

"I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll meet the ($5 million) number," CFC-O Deputy Director Constance Baker said of Europe. Though this year’s campaign ended Wednesday, collection reports are still coming in from donations made before then, she said. The CFC-O final report will be made Dec. 19, Baker said.

As of Friday, CFC-O in Europe’s tally sits at $4.65 million, about $1 million shy of last year. Overall, CFC-O, which comprises the African, European, Central and Pacific commands, has raised more than $12.7 million for more than 2,000 charities.

Asked why giving is down slightly over last year, Baker said the economic slide would make the most sense, but "there’s no way to really know for sure … people are still giving, they’re just giving a little less."

As the economy slows, the need for charity rises, Baker said, and while the contributions to the CFC-O in Europe are slightly less than last year, many stateside organizations are seeing healthy contributions.

Charitable giving in America has risen 39 of the last 40 years in today’s dollars, according to a recent Associated Press article.