$27.50 makes a difference
I love my job. That might seem like a strange proclamation given the state of the economy and the stress of raising funds to meet the growing needs. But, it’s our partners’ passion for the mission truly makes it a pleasure to do what I do.
I read Eric Halvorson’s blog today. He’s just a guy doing his job and trying to do his part to make his community a better place. He chooses to support The Salvation Army’s efforts during the Christmas season as our honorary Tree of Lights Chair. And in his blog, he reminds readers that even though it’s a tough time to dig deep to help out our neighbors in need, that’s what we Hoosiers do.
And here’s his tip: “Consider this: if 100,000 people give just $27.50, the Salvation Army will meet its goal. Remember, the Census Bureau says more than 865,000 people live in Marion County. So, it’s possible.”
I love unbridled optimism! And here’s another way to think about it - if just 100,000 of us put $5.50 in a red kettle each week until Christmas, we’d exceed that $2.75 million goal! Basically, if we gave up one fast food lunch a week, we’d not only drop a few pounds in time for the holidays, but we’d be a part of providing shelter to a woman fleeing domestic violence, after-school programs for at-risk kids and a warm meal to a family after a natural disaster. We’d be the change we all want to see.
How are you going to make a difference this Christmas? How about a Radiothon sponsorship?
Target hits bullseye for Angel Tree
Last year, over 13,000 toys were donated for needy families through our Angel Tree program. Times are tough for many Indiana families, so we’re expecting even more applications for Christmas assistance this year. So, our friends at Target are making it even easier to help.
Check out our Toy Shop TargetList on Target’s website. You’ll find “TargetLists” in the upper right corner. Click on the list and enter “The Salvation Army” for the first name and “Indiana Division” for the last name and choose “Indiana” for the state. You’ll see this:
The Salvation Army - Indiana Division - IN
Created For: The Salvation Army
List Type: Christmas
Event Date: December 17, 2008
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Created By: The Salvation Army Indiana Division
List Message: Last year, The Salvation Army Toy Shop provided Christmas for 1,700 Indianapolis children. Your donation through Target.com will help us continue “Doing the Most Good” for our littlest neighbors in need this Christmas.
What follows is a wishlist of toys - like a virtual Angel Tree. Instead of going to one of our Central Indiana toy collection sites, you can select one or more toys on the TargetList and they will be shipped to us in time for Toy Shop on December 17th. You can also choose to purchase gift cards for kids who are a little too old for toys, but not too old to find something special under the tree.
So, while you’re shopping on-line playing Santa to your kids, you can help parents who are struggling this year play Santa to theirs!
Help us “Pack the Pantry”
Due to a dramatic increase in requests for assistance, food pantry reserves throughout Indianapolis are critically low. We’ve seen a 23% increase for assistance at our Social Service Center in the first six months of this year! So, this past Friday, Mayor Ballard held a press conference to urge Hoosier individuals and businesses to host food drives to help re-stock our city’s food pantries. “This is about helping our neighbors get through an economic downturn this winter,” said Mayor Ballard.
Our own Indiana Divisional Commander Major Dick Amick also spoke at the conference, urging the community to come together and make certain that no one in need is turned away this winter. The Salvation Army will gladly accept donations any of our locations.
And in true Hoosier tradition, our Indianapolis Colts and Meijer have teamed up to “put a hit on hunger” with their Sacking Hunger campaign at the Colts/Houston game on Nov. 16. Anyone who brings food to the game will receive a limited edition Colts poster. And for those unable to attend the game, you can stop by your local Meijer make a donation - for each donation or $10 gift card purchase, you’ll receive a limited edition Colts poster as well.
And for you basketball fans - in addition to the Pacers’ generous $5,000 contribution to Pack the Pantry, they will be hosting a food collection drive at Conseco Fieldhouse until the end of the year. When you drop off items for the city’s pantries, you’ll receive a discount coupon towards a game ticket.
If your company would like to partner with us to Pack the Pantry by hosting a food collection drive, please give Kristen a call at 224-1019.
‘Tis the season…a little early
A familiar sound greeted Walmart shoppers yesterday - the ringing of Salvation Army bells. Walmart kicked off the Christmas season a little early as they celebrated the opening of their new Walmart Christmas Shops. And to add to the festivities, they invited us to join them by ringing bells at each store across America.
Each year, Walmart kicks off the season by announcing their partnership with The Salvation Army. So this past Thursday, the Walmart Foundation presented a $1.25 million check to Salvation Army National Commander, Commissioner Isreal Gaither at Walmart’s historic store #1 in Roger’s Arkansas. The donation will be equally divided among Salvation Army units across the United States to help meet the basic needs of those hit hardest by our nation’s recent economic events.
Here in Indiana, our season starts on November 20 at our Tree of Lights campaign tree lighting ceremony on our front lawn. Once again, we are proud to partner with Walmart as our tree sponsor. And, after the tree is lit, you’ll see red kettles outside Walmart stores here in Indy and throughout Indiana.
To find out more about The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign, visit IndyKettle.org. And if you’d like to help your neighbors in need by volunteering to ring a bell this Christmas, call Elizabeth at 224-1010.
Your team can change Indy
The economy will, no doubt, play a role in how much companies will donate to charity this Christmas. Some of our partners have had to significantly reduce their giving plan. Others, in light of staff reductions and profit loss, are left without charitable dollars all together. But what if the members of your team could give in the name of your company?
Maybe it’s a tough time for your company, but we know you want to help us provide shelter for the homeless and Christmas gifts for kids who would otherwise have none. The Salvation Army’s on-line red kettle campaign allows your team to sign up for a virtual red kettle and raise funds together for those in need. Now you can each give and let Indy know that your company cares - every dollar makes a difference!
Want to know more? Go to indykettle.org and we’ll tell you all you need to know to get started.
