#United States #Salvation Army #Alexandria #Donations #community help

The Salvation Army's Urgent Appeal for Donations

As we approach the end of the year, an urgent call for assistance resonates from The Salvation Army. The organization reports that nearly one-third of adults in the United States are either just making ends meet or facing financial hardship. This troubling statistic underscores a growing crisis exacerbated by inflation, rising living costs, and stagnant wages, which has left countless individuals struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare.

The Salvation Army, known for its significant role in holiday charitable giving, is experiencing a tumultuous fundraising season. According to the organization, donations have decreased by 2.1% this year when adjusted for inflation. Furthermore, the holiday shopping season was notably shorter, with five fewer days available for donations and the iconic Red Kettle Campaign. Traditionally, volunteers have played a crucial role in raising approximately $2.7 million daily during this season, but this year poses a potential deficit of $13 million for essential programs that provide food, shelter, and disaster relief services.

"For us, the reduced window for holiday donations could translate into a significant loss for our ongoing efforts to support those in need," commented Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. He reiterated the importance of contributions of any size, highlighting that these donations are vital for meeting the increasing demands of communities across the country.

The need for support has never been more critical. The Salvation Army relies heavily on the generosity of the public during the festive season, with nearly 50% of its financial support coming from holiday donations. Recent studies have indicated that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 had a severe negative impact on end-of-year giving, resulting in a $20 billion drop in charitable contributions. Additionally, there has been a noticeable decline in the overall spirit of generosity among Americans, with millions of households stepping away from supporting non-profit organizations over the past two decades.

"The implications of these trends are profound," Hodder warned. "For the millions who rely on nonprofits to bridge the gap between hardship and hope, the reduction in charitable donations can be the difference between despair and recovery. Yet, I remain inspired by the American public's ability to rise to the occasion in times of need."

Despite facing these significant challenges, The Salvation Army remains dedicated to serving everyone who reaches out for assistance. They offer several avenues for individuals to contribute:

• - Make a one-time donation or sign up for recurring support through their website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
• - Donate via securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) or make a planned gift by consulting with legal or financial advisors.
• - Support with cryptocurrency contributions, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

About The Salvation Army

Each year, The Salvation Army aids over 27 million individuals in the U.S., helping them navigate poverty, addiction, and economic challenges. The organization is committed to spreading hope while meeting human needs through various programs and services, including food assistance, emergency shelter, eviction prevention, disaster relief, rehabilitation, and youth engagement programs.

To learn more about the ways you can help, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org and follow them on X (@SalvationArmyUS) using #DoingTheMostGood for updates and information on their mission.