The Salvation Army Traverse City sets out to 'Rescue Christmas'
The Salvation Army Traverse City Corps Sets Out to “Rescue Christmas”
Due to Immense Impact of COVID-19
Across the nation, the largest social-services organization launches iconic holiday fundraising
campaign earlier than ever to meet increasing need
TRAVERSE CITY, MI (September 16, 2020) – For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high.
Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming the resources are available. In Traverse City, we served 13,453 people from Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau counties last year.
At the same time, due to the closing of retail stores, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, The Salvation Army could see up to a 50 percent decrease in funds raised nationally through the red kettles, which would limit their capability to provide services for the most vulnerable. To put this in perspective, last year $126 million was raised nationally through about 30,000 red kettles. Locally the Red Kettle Campaign raised $199,000 last year.
"We are talking about the holidays earlier than ever before because 2020 is unlike any year we’ve seen," said Lieutenant Matthew Winters. "Quite simply, we need more time, and more help this year to answer the increased needs that are anticipated during the holiday season and beyond. We want to help lift our neighbors burdens and spread the joy that the holidays instill. We hope the community will come along with us to rescue Christmas and provide hope for those in need."
Since March, The Salvation Army has provided more than 11,000 community meals, distributed over 50,000 pounds of food and provided emergency financial and utility assistance to growing numbers, as well as emotional and spiritual support to our neighbors in their time of need. Now more than ever, they’re making it safer and simpler to donate in order to support the most our most vulnerable neighbors:
The best way to ensure that these vital services continue is to enlist in Love’s Army with a sustaining monthly gift of $25 per month.
Register to ring as an individual or group, in person or virtually. To help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners, The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols.
Donate digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle.
Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” then specifying the amount.
Give any amount by texting “KETTLES” to 91999.
Donate physical gifts in bulk, host a food or toy drive or adopt a Holiday Food Basket with all the fixings.
Remotely bring your team together to share the joys of the holidays - contact The Salvation Army for details and ideas.
Adopt Angels to give hope and joy to kids and families in need through The Salvation Army’s Teen Angel program.
Click here for additional local Holiday and Red Kettle partnership opportunities.
Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit RescueChristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year.
If you need services or know of someone in need call 231-946-4644 for more information current services and schedule.
About The Salvation Army Traverse City:
The Salvation Army, Traverse City has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1894. Over 50,000 services annually are provided locally through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, clothing, utility and critical need assistance, Pathway of Hope family services, outreach to the elderly and ill, relief for disaster victims and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information visit www.satraversecity.org/traversecity.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.