I think it is wordwide, because I am in overseas and my relatives are scattered through several Eastern Europe countries and I was told by all of them that the demand for money was increasing. They say it is still voluntary, but people who do not donate much are looked as spiritually weak. The box is put in place so everyone could see if you donate and how much (as was 20 years ago when I was in KH). Other told me that money demand is turning into extorsion like give give give money. The field hours became secondary and they ask for donations even when people do not attend KH meeting due illness, job situation, travel, or other issues. I was told by relative that branch is asking money from entire congregation in the amount of 30000 Czech crowns (1USD = 20CZ) per month on top of the other expenses like utilities for KH, etc. I understand the maintenance issues and utilities, the KH was paid by our local JW donations and was finilized 20 years ago, but the money are called operational expenses for [closed] branch. I will ask my relatives in Prague, CZ and in Slovakia how much they donate in cash per KH.
One advantage of small cities, things do not stay secret.
