PRESS RELEASE
Record Demand for Christmas Assistance Costs
The Salvation Army $710k
Thousands could descend on three-hour Toy Shop tomorrow
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – December 21, 2007 – Although The Salvation Army is on pace to reach its Christmas Campaign goal of $8 million, an unexpected and record number of Twin Cities families needing Christmas assistance has forced The Salvation Army to spend an additional $710,000 on toys and grocery gift cards.
“Had we known demand was going to jump from 8,500 families last year to 14,700 this year, we would have set a much higher Christmas goal,” said Major Paul Fleeman, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army.
Toys and grocery gift cards are distributed at Salvation Army Toy Shops, the last of which is being held tomorrow in Roseville from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters (address at top).
It could be a busy three hours: About 3,000 families missed Toy Shops in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rosemount earlier this week. Many of these families will descend on tomorrow’s Toy Shop, plus the possibility of hundreds of walk-ins.
The Salvation Army is urging the public to help. Credit card donations for toys and food can be made online by clicking here or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Kettle donations are being accepted until Dec. 24 at 400 kettle sites throughout the Twin Cities.
The Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people in the Twin Cities and is a safety net for those with no place to turn. We serve 1,100 hot meals every day and house more than 700 people every night. Donations can be made by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave, Roseville, MN 55113 or by clicking below.
