The Salvation Army of Omaha Spreads the Love
Local community and Salvation Army leaders gathered on Monday, Feb. 14, outside of American National Bank to spread the love by presenting a giant Valentine's Day gift box to the Omaha metro as a symbol of gratitude for the generous support of this year's record-breaking Tree of Lights Campaign.
The 2021 Tree of Lights Christmastime campaign raised more than $3.5 million to support The Salvation Army's programs all throughout the year.
"We could not have achieved this record without the amazing generosity of this outstanding community. It was a team effort in every way," said Maj. Greg Thompson, divisional commander for the Western Division. "We especially want to thank our Tree of Lights Campaign chairs, Meg and Nate Dodge of NP Dodge Company; our major donors; and the red kettle site partners who propelled us to this record: Hy-Vee, Baker’s, Family Fare, NFM, and Walmart."
The thank you announcement coincides with a brand-new national awareness campaign that The Salvation Army launched on Feb. 14. The "Love Beyond" campaign's mission is to remind people that need exists beyond Christmas. The Salvation Army serves those in need 365 days a year.
Funds raised during Christmastime and throughout the year support programming that runs all year long, including food services, housing, behavioral support, material assistance, youth development and more.
For example:
- Food: this has been one of our most in-demand services since the start of the pandemic. Our busiest Omaha pantry—in Benson—has served up more than 10,300 food pantry orders since March 2020. Our North Corps (24th & Pratt) has provided over 52,500 grab-and-go lunches to those in need over the same period.
- Behavioral health: in our last fiscal year, we helped more than 2,000 people through our array of behavioral health programs here in Omaha.
- Housing: we provide over 53,000 nights of lodging each year to those in need.
- Youth programming: in a typical year, some 2,000 young people are enrolled in sports, fitness, swimming, arts, music, and after-school programs with us.
The Valentine's Day gift box sits at the exact location of The Salvation Army's iconic Tree of Lights, which sparkles over the city at 90th and West Dodge during the holiday season -- a reminder to passersby that the generosity of the Omaha metro enables The Salvation Army to "Love Beyond."