Hoosiers all over the state (individuals and businesses) opened their hearts and wallets to help their neighbors in need. And, although the grant application period for matching funds has now ended, you can always make a donation to The Salvation Army online, anytime here.

Our partners donated generously across the state. Here’s how it broke down by county:

• Anderson / Madison County: $6,000
• Kokomo / Howard County: $9,000
• Marion / Grant County: $10,581
• Muncie / Delaware County: $9,200
• Richmond / Warren County: $500
• Terre Haute / Vigo County: $9,000
• Indianapolis / Marion County: $7,340
• Statewide other: $77,970

The ability to provide for our families is not something we should take for granted. Many of our fellow Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet in light of rising job loss in our state. So much so that we’re expecting an additional 15% increase in requests for assistance this year due to unemployment alone.

So to continue “doing the most good”, The Salvation Army’s Midwest Headquarters has reallocated some endowment funds to make $3.45 million available in what we’re calling Hoosier Help for Hardship grants. Through this program, your neighbors in need will be able to get assistance with utilities, housing expenses and groceries.

But, in order to receive one of these $18,000 grants, each community must raise a $9,000 match of funds for a total of $27,000 of available assistance. And here’s how you can help.If just 900 of us could give at least $10 each, we’ll make our $9,000 match goal!The Salvation Army is currently serving the men, women and children in these communities and will efficiently and effectively distribute these funds to those who need a little help and hope to span the gap between jobs. If you’d like to join us in getting help to those who need it most, go here to pledge your support in raising the matching funds for these grants. If your company would like to support this effort or is interested in discussing ways to raise funds through employee collection drives, please call me at (317) 224-1019.

It’s amazing how much can be done when we work together to help those who are struggling right here in Indiana. On behalf of all of us and the men, women and children whose lives will be touched through your generosity, thank you!