The Salvation Army Exceeds Tree of Lights Campaign Goal
The Salvation Army exceeded its 2018 Tree of Lights Campaign goal in the Omaha metro, raising an estimated $2.95 million. Major gift donations increased substantially in the metro area, and red kettle donations finished strong.
“The outstanding generosity of the Omaha-Council Bluffs community was again on display this year,” said Maj. Greg Thompson, divisional commander. “Tree of Lights donations make a big difference in our efforts to serve the needs of some 100,000 people each year.”
Executive Director of Development Jeff Beckman praised the work of Tree of Lights Campaign Chairs Kirk and Teresa Kellner. “We can’t do this alone — it’s a team effort,” Beckman said. “This year, we had the outstanding leadership of the Kellners driving the campaign above and beyond its fundraising goal.”
Maj. Thompson emphasized that only a portion of The Salvation Army's overall funding needs are raised through the Tree of Lights Campaign. Additional funding from individual donors, as well as corporate and foundation support, is needed year-round to maintain programs and services.
Contributions to the Tree of Lights Campaign support the Human Needs Fund, which provides funding for food, housing, material assistance, youth development, behavioral health, older adult services and anti-human trafficking programs. Nearly every program within the Human Needs Fund requires substantial private support. Out of every dollar raised, 87 cents goes directly to program support.