PRESS RELEASE
The Salvation Army Exceeds Christmas
Campaign Goal by 1.2 Million
Public Responded to Unexpected, Record Increase in Demand
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – January 11, 2008 – The Twin Cities Salvation Army raised more than $9.2 million for its 2007 Christmas Campaign, a full $1.2 million above the original campaign goal of $8 million.
But looks are deceiving: much of the $1.2 million had to be spent before it was even received. The Salvation Army was forced to spend an unbudgeted $710,000 on toys and grocery gift cards because of an unexpected and record increase in families needing Christmas assistance – 12,345 families compared to 8,500 in 2006.
The additional toys and gift cards were distributed at Salvation Army Toy Shops – where needy families pick out gifts – in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rosemount.
“There were times when our Toy Shop countertops were nearly bare,” said Major Paul Fleeman, Commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “Spending an extra $710,000 meant we would risk entering 2008 way under budget. But faith carried us. We chose to erase the toy and food shortage with money we prayed the community would replenish.”
The community answered. Media reports and other publicity about the shortage helped the Twin Cities Salvation Army recoup its losses.
“We cannot overemphasize how thankful we are to the Twin Cities community,” Major Fleeman added. “Because of you, thousands of children and families did not go hungry. They did not go without Christmas gifts. They were truly blessed.”
The Twin Cities Salvation Army has an annual budget of $22 million and serves 200,000 people. We serve 2,100 hot meals every day and house more than 850 people every night.
Donations can be made by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave, Roseville, MN 55113 or by clicking below.
