Nation IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : Big Charities See Boost in Donations

Americans boosted their donations to the nation’s 400 largest charities by 6.3% last year, according to a survey that showed the Salvation Army the biggest recipient for a third straight year. The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported that the 400 nonprofit organizations in its annual survey received $22.4 billion, or about $1 of every $6 that were donated to charities nationwide. The Salvation Army raised $726 million in 1994 from individuals, businesses and foundations, up from $683 million a year earlier. The American Red Cross received $497 million and remained in second place for the second year in a row despite a 7% drop in donations.