HOPE MARCHES ON!
Early giving could be key to keeping families in their homes this holiday season, says nation’s largest private provider of social services.
With the resurgence of the pandemic and just 100 days until Christmas, The Salvation Army is digging in to make sure “Hope Marches On” during another predicted challenging holiday season of need. As many people continue to struggle with the impacts of pandemic poverty, The Salvation Army of Kent County is calling on the community to help our local neighbors with life’s essentials such as keeping a roof overhead, staying on track with utility bills and having enough to eat.
Social services organizations like The Salvation Army have worked tirelessly to provide help and hope since the pandemic started, but needs are increasing again this holiday season due to the lifting of the eviction moratorium and continued effects of the pandemic.
“The families and individuals we serve are working hard to make ends meet, but we do anticipate requests for Christmas assistance to again be high this holiday season,” said Major Glen Caddy, Divisional Commander. “Kent County is always a generous community and with their support, we will continue to provide help and keep hope marching on for our local neighbors in need.”
From January to July this year, The Salvation Army of Kent County has served 9,287 individuals, which includes over 1,200 combined individuals receiving emergency food or energy bill assistance, and 5,918 individuals receiving housing assistance. A coordinated entry point in Kent County, The Salvation Army’s Housing Assessment Program partners with other local agencies on a case-by-case basis to help prevent and end homelessness.
Before, during and after the pandemic, The Salvation Army will continue to provide critical support to those who need it most. The following options are available for those wishing to support their neighbors this holiday season:
- Enlist in Love's Army with a sustaining gift of $25 per month by donating online at SAKentCounty.org or calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY
- Visit SAKentCounty.org and sign up to volunteer at a red kettle or distribute Angel Tree gifts to children in need
- The Salvation Army is applying national safety protocols at all red kettles to ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors, and partners
- Donate digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at any red kettle across the country
- For the first year ever, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum will be accepted as a donation
- Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, "Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army," then specifying the amount
- Give any amount by texting "KETTLES" to 51555
- Provide new toys through The Salvation Army Angel Tree for local children and families
Every donation helps hope march on for those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit SAKentCounty.org to donate or learn more about how you can help this year.
If you need services or know someone in need, visit SAKentCounty.org or call (616) 459-3433.