PRESS RELEASE
Twin Cities Salvation Army Exceeds Christmas Campaign Goal
January 12, 2010 – Generous donors gave The Salvation Army its most successful Christmas Campaign ever. The Twin Cities Salvation Army exceeded $10 million in Christmas donations, well above its goal of $8.7 million.
Exceeding the goal happened in three main ways: 1) a $1.25 million matching gift, the largest in Twin Cities Salvation Army history; 2) a dramatic increase in donations from foundations; and 3) everyday people increasing their giving amounts.
The matching gift was given by three anonymous donors who triple-matched every donation made in the Twin Cities Dec. 22–23. This effort raised a total of about $2 million, more than $440,000 of which was gathered via kettles – a two-day kettle record.
Gifts from foundations during the Christmas season exploded to $1.2 million. From 2002–2007, foundation gifts had never topped more than $435,000. Although last year the gifts reached $1.1 million, that was only because of an unexpected $500,000 donation from Cargill.
“Raising $1.2 million in foundation gifts this year was significant because the largest single gift we received was $175,000,” Leedom said. “In addition, of all these foundation gifts, more than $250,000 came from either first-time givers or those who had not given in more than two years.”
Beating the goal was also due to Twin Cities residents deciding to sacrifice their own budgets for the good of others.
“In the three months before December, we saw a decline in donations, with long-time givers reducing their monthly gifts," Leedom said. “Given the weak economy, that wasn't unexpected. But we were taken by surprise at the turnaround in December. Givers in all categories made larger and multiple donations. The people in this community looked beyond their own financial need to help others less fortunate. The Salvation Army is humbled and grateful for their trust in us.”
In addition to the increases in financial contributions, volunteer bell ringers gave 16,000 hours in the Twin Cities, a near 15 percent increase over the last three years.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,000 hot meals and shelters 850 people. More than 14,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide a multitude of services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
