Photo: Contributed

Downtown Vernon's "kindness meters" brought in less than one-fifth the amount last year compared to just five years earlier.

The decommissioned parking meters were introduced in 2016 as a means to direct public donations to organizations serving those in need in the community.

That year, they brought in $1,863.82, which went to the Vernon Salvation Army Food Bank.

This past year, the meters brought in just $318.91.

City council is expected to decide where those funds will directed during its meeting on Monday.

Donations have declined since the meters' introduction.

In 2020, $389.16 went to the Archway Society for Domestic Peace.

In 2019, $711.10 went to the Vernon Community Dental Access Centre.

In 2018, $672.47 went to North Okanagan Youth and Family Services.

In 2017, the Upper Room Mission received $1,798.68.