PRESS RELEASE
Help Needed to Offset $15k Shortfall
Unexpected funding shortage comes amid 78 percent rise in need
ALBERT LEA, Minn. – June 9, 2010 – The Albert Lea Salvation Army is asking for community support to offset an unexpected $15,000 decrease in funding from a perennial donor.
The decrease comes at a time when the Albert Lea Salvation Army is experiencing a 78 percent increase in need for services. These services include food shelf, basic social services, rent assistance, Summer Day Camp for children and more. In addition to the 78 percent increase, a growing number of local residents need assistance in the wake of cuts to county funding aimed at helping single adults.
“The increase in need is astounding,” said Captain Jim Brickson, Albert Lea Salvation Army administrator. “The Army is dedicated to identifying needs and meeting them to the best of our ability as resources allow. Right now there are so many needs, but our ability to fulfill them is restricted because our funds have been cut short.”
Losing $15,000 has threatened programs that many Albert Lea residents are depending on amid the economic downturn. Although no decisions have been made, options for recouping the $15,000 include reducing social services programs from five days a week to four or making cuts to a new weekday lunch program scheduled to begin this fall.
“Our number one goal is to avoid making these or any other cuts,” Brickson said. “Making cuts at a time when need is greatest puts our most vulnerable citizens in jeopardy. Our hope is that we are able to replace this $15,000 by the end of the summer.”
Although the Army is short on funds, the situation could have been worse if not for last year’s Christmas fund-raising campaign. Local residents helped make it the most successful Christmas campaign in the history of the Albert Lea Salvation Army.
“The 2009 Christmas Campaign was an enormous blessing that helped us meet the community’s increased need for our services,” Brickson said. “It is hard to ask for more because the community has already been so generous. But for the sake of those in crisis, we ask that people dig just a little deeper into their pockets so that we can answer the need.”
To make a gift to the Albert Lea Salvation Army, click the donate online button below. Be sure to write in 'Albert Lea' in the specific use box.
