PRESS RELEASE
Donations Down $88Ok, Families Needing
Christmas Assistance at Record Level
Toy shortage could hit 15,000
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – December 12, 2008 – The 2008 Christmas Campaign of the Twin Cities Salvation Army is taking a beating.
Donations are down $880,000 from last year. To compound matters, the number of families registered for Christmas assistance has already hit last year’s total for the entire season – 14,500.
“We are expecting another 5,000 families to sign up during the remaining 10 days of registration,” said Major Darryl Leedom, Commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “That’s a total of nearly 20,000 families, or about 60,000 children.”
The situation has brought with it an estimated toy shortage of 15,000. Offsetting the shortage would cost $225,000.
“Without more help, we don’t know how we will be able to serve all of the families needing Christmas assistance,” Leedom said.
As of today The Salvation Army has raised $3.58 million, compared to the $4.46 million it raised a year ago. The overall Christmas goal is $8.5 million, a $500,000 increase from 2007 that is needed to cover skyrocketing community needs. If the goal isn’t met, cuts will be made to programs and services in 2009.
There are two easy ways to help the thousands of children and families depending on The Salvation Army this Christmas season:
● Donate new, unwrapped toys at any metro area Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club stores until Dec. 22. This weekend, KS95 personalities will tour these sites in a coach bus and encourage listeners to “Stuff the Bus” with toys. A tour schedule is here and at www.ks95.com.
● Donate money in a red kettle, online, by calling 800-SAL-ARMY, or by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.
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.
