$2.75M goal to sustain critical programs & services

The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County announces the launch of its annual Christmas Campaign. The goal of The Salvation Army in Milwaukee is $2.75 million dollars that will sustain Toy Shop, Christmas Family Feast, emergency shelter, medical, food pantries, and meals to the homeless and care to our military veterans.

In just four days on Friday, November 5th the annual Christmas Campaign will kick off. This year’s theme, ‘Hope Wanted,’ draws attention to The Salvation Army’s urgent need for the public’s support in the wake of our country’s continuing economic crisis and the growing numbers of families coming to The Salvation Army for help and hope. Families requesting assistance for the first time are struggling to make ends meet in this economy and they desperately need the support of their neighbors.

“The economy has made it a rough year for many families and we’ve seen first hand the increased numbers of people coming to us for help. Requests are up thirty percent over last year,” said Major Robert Thomson, Divisional Commander for Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. “It’s especially hard during the holiday season, with people still losing their jobs, their homes and not knowing how they will provide for their families. That’s when The Salvation Army steps in to help and give hope. But to keep pace with the increasing need, we must rely on generous people in our community to open their hearts with a donation to help their neighbors.”

The time-honored Salvation Army tradition of bell ringing started in 1891 by Captain Joseph McFee has humble beginnings as a simple cooking pot. Has now spread nationwide to become what is commonly known as ‘Red Kettle’. The Red Kettle has served as a symbol of good will for more than 100 years and signifies the beginning of the Christmas season and the start of The Salvation Army Christmas Campaign. It will include traditional fundraising methods such as direct mail and on-line donations in addition to the highly visible Red Kettles. The campaign raises money that funds the many programs the organization operates throughout the year that serve the neediest in our community. “Our Red Kettles hold folding money and checks as well as coins,” said Major Thomson.

Eighty-two cents of every dollar donated supports critical Salvation Army programs and services.

To have your place of business as a bell ringing site or to volunteer to ring bells call 414-302-4300 or visit www.SAmilwaukee.org.

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