PRESS RELEASE
Success: Salvation Army Campaign Raises $40,000 of Groceries
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – November 21, 2008 –The Salvation Army has reached its goal to raise $40,000 of groceries for its six Twin Cities food shelves. The effort was part of “40 Hours of Service,” a program held at the Eagan East Cub Foods in conjunction with Kettle Kickoff 2008.
For each hour of bell ringing registered during 40 Hours of Service, a $30 bag of groceries was donated to the Salvation Army’s six food shelves. At 6:15 a.m. this morning, bell ringing registration reached 1,342 hours pledged since the drive began Nov. 20 at 6 a.m.
These hours equaled $40,000 in groceries donated by Cargill, Land O Lakes, CHS, and General Mills. The groceries were loaded into a semi truck at Cub Foods and delivered to The Salvation Army headquarters, where they will be sorted and distributed by volunteers.
"This is wonderful news," said Major Darryl Leedom, Salvation Army Twin Cities Commander. "It really shows you that working together people can solve problems – they will rally in support of a great cause. There are many compassionate individuals and businesses in our great community."
The groceries came at a crucial time, as The Salvation Army has seen a record 70 percent increase in its food shelf usage.
More volunteer hours are still needed to fill the more than 400 kettle sites dotting the metro landscape this Christmas. Over 100,000 hours are available, with the average kettle raising $30 per hour.
The Salvation Army's Christmas goal is $8.5 million. The campaign ends on Dec. 31. Red kettles will be out until Dec 24.
View photos of the Kettle Kickoff.
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 2,100 hot meals every day and house more than 850 people every night. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
