Making a Difference in the Midwest, October 8
As we approach the end of 2020, businesses and nonprofits alike are looking toward the Christmas season. Not only is it the time when stores make a significant portion of their sales, but it’s also a time when nonprofits receive most of their donations – all are essential funds that allow operations to continue in the following year. We would like to share some recent good news and thank all our corporate partners and granting agencies that help The Salvation Army provide essential humanitarian aid to those in need across the Midwest. They provide resources, funding and the ability to allow your donation to go further. Thank you!
Indiana Grants and Donations Provide COVID-19 Relief
The Hoosier State abounds with hope. Recently, The Salvation Army in Indiana announced the receipt of more than $390,000 in combined grants and donations to help those impacted by COVID-19.
The Salvation Army of Lake County was awarded a $360,000 grant from the Lake Area United Way. The funds will be used to provide rent and utility assistance for Lake County residents who have lost their jobs and income due to the coronavirus pandemic. As moratoriums on evictions and utility shut-off have expired, The Salvation Army has seen a surge in requests for rent and utility assistance. Grant funds will also be used to hire part-time case workers to address increased requests for COVID-19 related emergency assistance.
The Salvation Army Logansport received a $15,000 COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grant which was made possible by the Lilly Foundation, Inc and Indiana United Ways. These essential funds will also be used to provide rent and utility bill assistance to residents of Cass County.
On September 25, radio station 100.7 MIX-FM hosted the “September Salvation” radiothon to benefit The Salvation Army Terre Haute. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Terre Haute Salvation Army has helped Vigo County, IN residents impacted by job loss or reduced income with utility bills, wifi access for students, emergency lodging, nutrition assistance, and more. The radiothon goal was $13,000 but 100.7 MIX-FM listeners outdid themselves and raised $15,125.80! The funds will be used to purchase a new commercial refrigerator/freezer for the food bank and to fund a part-time case worker to help connect individuals with resources appropriate to their needs.
Online Donors Can Double Their Impact
Minnesota based SPIRE Credit Union is helping The Salvation Army to rescue Christmas. SPIRE will match all online donations, up to $100,000, during the 2020 Christmas campaign. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual fundraising campaign has started early. “There is a lot at stake this year because of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said SPIRE CEO Dan Stoltz, who is serving as this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Community Chair.
Decreased foot traffic, shoppers carrying less cash, and pandemic-related income loss are all expected to affect the busy end-of-year donation season. Grants and donations provided by committed corporate fundraising partners and grant-making organizations are important resources. When combined with generous private donations through our fundraising campaigns, The Salvation Army is able to secure essential resources to meet the needs of the moment, provide for the future, and fulfill our mission to “meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” Will you join us in this mission?