PRESS RELEASE
Economy Taking Early Toll on Christmas Campaign
Kettle donations down nearly $200,000
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – December 5, 2008 – Given the sluggish economy, the Twin Cities Salvation Army knew that its 2008 Christmas Campaign would be challenging. But nobody thought giving levels would be so far behind, so early.
As of Dec. 5, giving is down in almost every category, including donations made via stock, mail and the internet.
The hardest-hit category is kettle donations, down nearly 20 percent ($190,000) from last year. Kettles have so far raised about $825,000 since their Nov. 20 introduction; last year on this day, kettles had raised $1.015 million. The Salvation Army’s goal for kettle donations is $3 million.
The Salvation Army’s overall Christmas Campaign goal is $8.5 million, a $500,000 increase over last year. The additional funds are necessary to cover skyrocketing community needs, including a 70 percent increase in families coming to The Salvation Army’s six Twin Cities food shelves.
There are three ways to help The Salvation Army this Christmas season:
● Make a financial donation online, by calling 800-SAL-ARMY or by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.
● Sign up to bell ring online. Kettles raise an average of $30 per hour.
● Donate a new toy at any Twin Cities Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club store. Toys will be distributed at Salvation Army Toy Shops, which serve more than 40,000 children.
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.
