PRESS RELEASE
Triple-Match Fund-Raiser a HUGE Success
ALBERT LEA, Minn. – Freeborn County residents could not have responded more favorably during the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s “Donut Days” fund-raiser, a July 16-17 event in which public donations were triple-matched with up to $15,000 from Minnesota Corrugated Box Inc. and up to $15,000 from salad manufacturer Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen.
Public donations reached nearly $29,000. When combined with the two $15,000 matching gifts, total contributions reached nearly $60,000. Additional support came from dozens of local volunteers who spent two days collecting donations outside of local businesses.
The fund-raiser was organized in response to the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s unexpected budget deficit and 78 percent increase in need for services. Donut Days events are typically held by Salvation Army locations in large metro areas across the U.S. during what is often referred to as the “summer slump,” when donor activity is low yet the demand for Salvation Army services remains high.
“With our big increase of services provided, local leadership was forced to think outside of our normal routine – Donut Days was the answer,” said Captain Jim Brickson, administrator of the Albert Lea Salvation Army. “How truly humbling it is to have the support from this community, Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Minnesota Corrugated Box and the many other businesses that supported us. We are thankful for the continued opportunity to serve our community.”
The Salvation Army Northern Division has been serving Minnesota and North Dakota communities since 1886. Today the Northern Division includes operation centers in dozens of cities across both states. These centers provide food, shelter, spiritual enrichment and more to about 500,000 people a year.
