The Salvation Army of Omaha’s Tree of Lights Campaign Surpasses 2020 Goal
We are pleased to report that thanks to the generosity of the Omaha community, The Salvation Army of Omaha surpassed its Tree of Lights Campaign goal of $3.2 million, raising $3.3 million to support programs and services throughout the year. The annual Tree of Lights Campaign is traditionally the largest single fundraising effort of the year for The Salvation Army of Omaha. This year it came with a special sense of urgency due to COVID-19.
“The ongoing pandemic had already caused unprecedented spikes in demand for our services months before Tree of Lights began,” said Maj. Greg Thompson, divisional commander. “With that demand came a new, much higher need for community support in 2020, and the metro responded with outstanding support and generosity. We are extremely grateful to all who donated this season.”
This year, rather than naming co-chairs of the Tree of Lights Campaign, members of the advisory board collaborated to lead fundraising efforts. “The board’s teamwork and dedication helped make the difference this season; they pushed us over the top,” said Executive Director of Development Jeff Beckman. “Furthermore, we’re truly grateful to the Red Kettle corporate partners that stood by us — and, in many cases, even stepped up their support — despite the challenges of the pandemic in 2020.”
Among the main factors in the 2020 campaign’s strong finish: substantial major gifts support, better-than-expected red kettle contributions and soaring online donations.
Maj. Thompson emphasized that, due to COVID-19, The Salvation Army met greater need in 2020 than ever before, but the need continues in 2021. Only a portion of The Salvation Army’s overall annual funding needs are met by the Tree of Lights Campaign. Additional funding from individual donors — as well as corporate and foundation support — is needed throughout the year to maintain local programs and services.
Tree of Lights Campaign donations support a panoply of programs and services in the metro, including food, housing, behavioral health, material assistance, youth development, older adult services, anti-human trafficking and emergency disaster services. Donations stay local, and 87 cents out of every dollar directly supports programming.
Please consider “Doing the Most Good” by making a donation to The Salvation Army today. Thank you!