Salvation Army Announces $1 Million Challenge Match Offered by Anonymous Donors
Thanks to several anonymous supporters, $1 million has been donated to challenge the Twin Cities community to match their generosity. Any donation now through December 31st will have its impact doubled, up to $1 million, as a result of this match.
More than any other time in our memory, the need for assistance has never been greater, due to the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army has seen a 155% increase in demand for services nationwide. In the Twin Cities area, they have supplied 3 million meals to hungry families, provided 100,000 nights of shelter to those with no home, and counseled 25,000 people needing emotional and spiritual support.
“Food, in particular, has been in great demand,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, commander of The Salvation Army’s Northern Division, which includes Minnesota and North Dakota. “Some of our Twin Cities locations have seen food pantry requests increase by 1,000%. Rent and utility assistance is following close behind. Probably the most sobering statistic is that 40% of people coming to our food pantries as a result of the pandemic have never visited a food shelf before.”
There are four easy ways to have your donation’s impact doubled:
- Give online at SalvationArmyNorth.org
- Donate at a nearby Red Kettle using cash, Apple Pay, Google Pay or a QR code scan
- Text RESCUE to 24365 and follow the prompts
- Call Salvation Army Donor Services at 651-746-3494
The Salvation Army reports that the quarter from October to December raises 50-60% of their annual revenue, which assists people in need all year round. “We anticipate the increased need caused by the pandemic will continue well into 2021, so this $1 million dollar challenge match is a key element to helping us reach our fundraising goal this year,” said Brian Molohon, Executive Director of Development. “For those who’d like to make a difference in the lives of their struggling neighbors, this challenge match is a great opportunity to double their impact.”
The Salvation Army Northern Division annually helps 325,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. 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 Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 62 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.