PRESS RELEASE
Can the Salvation Army really raise $11.4 million?
Roseville, Minn. – December 8, 2011 –Can the Twin Cities Salvation Army really raise $11.4 million before Christmas?
The answer to that question is about to get very, very interesting: With Christmas right around the corner, The Salvation Army has only raised about $2.8 million.
"In the next three weeks we have to raise $8.6 million, an amount that is practically as much as last year's entire Christmas Campaign goal," said Major Jeff Strickler, Twin Cities Salvation Army Commander.
The $11.4 million target is higher than the Christmas Campaign goals of any other metro area Salvation Army in the country. It's a record-setting amount that reflects a record-setting need: Since 2008, the number of households coming to the Twin Cities Salvation Army for social services has shot up 100 percent, going from 40,000 to 82,000.
"We're down, but certainly not out," added Strickler, pictured (left) during Kettle Kickoff 2011 with KOOL 108's Jeff Olsen (right), who bell rang for a record-setting 30 hours straight. "If our supporters can step up their giving and volunteering, we'll make our goal."
There are lots of ways to support The Salvation Army this Christmas season. In addition to a multitude of volunteer activities, you can help in these ways:
- Give at a kettle.
- Give here.
- Be a volunteer bell ringer. Kettles raise an average of $30 per hour. With more than 400 kettle locations across the Twin Cities and thousands of hours to fill, bell ringing is a fun, easy and convenient way to help people in need.
- Start an Online Red Kettle.
- Call 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
- Mail a check marked “Twin Cities Salvation Army” to 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN, 55113.
- Donate stock by calling 651-746-3504 or email Amy Newton
