Colts give back to local charities

Anderson, IN (courtesy of The Herald Bulletin)

The Indianapolis Colts make headlines wherever they go – especially when they moved training camp back to Anderson University. And the city of Anderson has been grateful for the positive exposure.

This week, the Colts and the city teamed up to put others in the spotlight – five local charities, including The Salvation Army. With input from city officials, Colts owner Jim Irsay chose five charities as recipients of a $25,000 gift to make a difference in Anderson. “In talking to everyone on our staff, they all say the welcome [back to Anderson] has been tremendous,” said Colts owner Jim Irsay (pictured at left). “The makeover at the university has made this so different than it was in the ’80s and ’90s. We can bring literal money to the city and economic impact. But we can also bring inspiration. We want to do what we can even though we feel the impact as well.”

“We like to be part of the community and show our appreciation,” said Irsay, during a brief ceremony at the Kardatzke Wellness Center at Anderson University after the team’s morning practice. “The economy here has been tough on jobs and tough on charities. From those who are given a lot is expected a lot.” Read more

Huntington Bank, Salvation Army partner to deliver 1,000 backpacks to IPS schoolchildren in need

This morning, Salvation Army Indiana Divisional Commander, Major Richard Amick was pleased to accept 1,000 backpacks and school supplies from Huntington Bank on behalf of Indianapolis Public School children across the city. The donation is part of a 30,000 backpack donation throughout Huntington’s six-state service area.

Major Amick was all smiles accepting the donation saying, “times are every bit as challenging as they were last year, so it’s exciting to see the community rise up to help us reach out to IPS schoolchildren and give them the tools they need and the hope to succeed.”

In fact, in this its second year partnering with The Salvation Army, Huntington has more than doubled the backpack donation to Indianapolis schoolchildren. In fact, this year, The Salvation Army will distribute about 600 more backpacks than in 2009. Read more

Mrs. Lewis, Shoe Carnival help kids in need get ready for school

This morning, thanks to Mrs. Lewis and the team at the Lafayette Road Shoe Carnival, nearly 120 kids from The Salvation Army’s Summer Day Camp programs in Indy got the tools they’ll need to start school on the right foot.

According to Huntington Bank’s 2010 Backpack Index, the average cost for a family to send a child to elementary school (with all the school recommended supplies and necessary clothing) is about $475. With the first days of school quickly approaching, parents are no doubt feeling the pressure of providing new shoes, back packs and school supplies. But, thanks to the generosity of long time Salvation Army donor, Mrs. Laura Lewis, 120 children are set to go.

Requests for assistance increase as unemployment benefits run out

The Salvation Army is seeing a dramatic spike in request for assistance as unemployment benefits for many end this week.  At The Salvation Army’s Center for Hope in Greenwood, workers went through the July assistance funds in one day in order to meet a 70% increase in request for assistance.  Almost all of the 24 households they served were seeking help for the very first time.

See the story on WISH-TV8

Last night, WISH-TV8 in Indianapolis aired a story about the increase in request for assistance at The Salvation Army in Greenwood.  But Salvation Army service centers throughout the state are seeing similar increases and are also running out of resources in order to meet the increased need.

You can help.  Your generosity can help put food on a table for a family who can’t do so for themselves for the very first time.  To find a Salvation Army near you, visit our Locations Page.  You can contact us and make food or financial donation.  You can also make an Online Donation.  Your donation will be put to use right away to help those in need.

If you would like to become a volunteer for The Salvation Army, contact Elizabeth Wilhelm at 317-224-1010.

It’s National Salvation Army Week

We’ve got some great events planned to help get Indy involved in “doing the most good”. We’ll be out and about this week and we hope you’ll join us:

Monday, May 10 – Dine to Donate at BD’s Mongolian Grill (3838 E. 82nd Street, Castleton) $15 for all-you-can-eat stir-fry, soup and salad. Click here for more info.

Tuesday, May 11 – WWI Salvation Army Doughnut Girls exhibit dedication, Indiana War Memorial (431 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis)

Thursday, May 13 – Dine to Donate at Max & Erma’s (5899 E. 86th Street, Castleton) 4-10pm. 20% of dine-in and carry out proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army. Don’t forget to take the flyer with you (we only get credit for your meal if you present the flyer).

Friday, May 14 – Eat Outside the Box (Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, 550 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis) 10am-2pm. Just $5 for a hot dog or hamburger, chips and a drink! [Thanks to our partners for donating lunch: All-American Picnic Company for the 'dogs and burgers, GFS for the chips, Noodles and Company for the water and Ricker's for the soft drinks] Come enjoy lunch and throw a game of cornhole for a great cause – helping Indy’s homeless and abused moms and kids.

It’s not too late  – if you’re interested in planning an event or getting the folks at the office involved, give Kristen a call at 224-1019.

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