“It Takes More than Hands to Make a Home”

Featuring special guest speakers Andy and Aimee Copeland

 (Lawrenceville, April 26, 2013), The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County will host theirannual luncheon on April 26^th  at 11:30 a.m. at The Salvation Army’s location at 3455 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. Andy and Aimee Copeland will be the special guest speakers.

The luncheon theme, It Takes More Than Hands to Make a Home, is especially relevant given Aimee Copeland’s amazing story of courage and faith, the sustaining nature of family love and her commitment to have a purpose-filled life following a horrific accident which resulted in her losing her left leg, her right leg below the knee and both hands to a flesh-eating bacteria.  She and her family are a true testament to the power of prayer and the positive impact of mobilizing a community.

Proceeds from the luncheon will help fund Gwinnett County’s Home Sweet Home Program, which serves as The Salvation Army’s largest scattered site housing program in the metro area.  Through this program, over 1,531 nights of shelter are provided on a monthly basis to families in Gwinnett County.  Captain Andy Miller, Corps Officer for Gwinnett County said, “The programs of The Salvation Army of Gwinnett are critical to our community. By providing stable housing to these families, we are addressing the ever-growing issue of homelessness in Gwinnett along with strengthening the parents’ ability to get jobs and allowing children to stay in the same school and thrive. We are so proud that in the last year we were able to provide over 12,969 nights of shelter in Gwinnett County.”

To learn about sponsorship opportunities and ticket purchases, please contact Shane Autrey at 404-486-2954.  You can also visit www.salvationarmyatlanta.org.

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United   States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.  For more information, go to www.salvationarmyatlanta.org. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta or follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyA

Media Contact:

The Salvation Army
Martha S. Reich
404-245-8077
Martha_reich@uss.salvationarmy.org

Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Atlanta Hawks BRING Stock Market Game
TO SALVATION ARMY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA

Stock Market Simulation Game to Educate Participants on the Importance of Financial Responsibility

ATLANTA – February 14, 2013: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in partnership with the Atlanta Hawks, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greater Atlanta and the Georgia Council on Economic Education, have teamed up to present the Stock Market Games, a 10-week team investment challenge meant to teach the basics of financial literacy. The team challenge, made up of 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders, will invite 35 participants from Bellwood, Fuqua and Peachcrest Boys & Girls Clubs to try their hand at the stock market through a simulated investment game. In addition, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation is donating $2,500 to each of the participating Boys & Girls Clubs in support of this educational endeavor.

“The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta is very grateful to have The Atlanta Hawks and Bank of America Merrill Lynch giving back to our local youth,” said Major Todd Hawks, Atlanta Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “This is a very innovative approach to helping children learn about economics and financial literacy.”

Mentored and coached by Merrill Lynch volunteers, participants will invest a hypothetical $100,000 in common stocks on the New York and American Stock Exchanges as well as the NASDAQ. Hawks players Johan Petro, Mike Scott and John Jenkins will serve as team captains for the competing clubs and will make a visit to their teams on Thursday, February 21, 2013.

“At Bank of America, we know that skills based volunteerism can make a tremendous difference to nonprofit organizations and the people they serve,” said Geri Thomas, Georgia Market President, Bank of America. “By providing financial education to children at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs, we are equipping them with the necessary tools they need to make sound financial decisions now and in the future. It is our honor to join the Atlanta Hawks in creating brighter futures for the children in our Atlanta neighborhoods.”

At the conclusion of the 10-week competition, the team with the most profitable investments will be recognized during the Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks game on Friday, April 12, 2013, with an on-court halftime presentation.

For more information on the Stock Market Games, please visit www.Hawks.com.

About the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.  Tickets for all Hawks home games are on sale at www.hawks.com/tickets, the Philips Arena box office and all Ticketmaster locations, with absolutely no ticketing fees.  Atlanta Hawks Memberships for the 2013-14 season are on sale now! For more information on the Hawks, log on to www.hawks.com.

About Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 53 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 5,500 retail banking offices and approximately 16,300 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 30 million active users. Bank of America is among the world’s leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

About The Salvation Army in Atlanta Georgia

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyatlanta.org. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta or follow us on Twitter @salvationarmya.

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs are located in some of the most economically disadvantaged communities of Atlanta, serving over 2,500 youth (ages 6 – 19) each year.

About the Georgia Council on Economic Education

Since 1972, the Georgia Council on Economic Education has been in the business of helping teachers teach economics in Georgia schools. Their vision is for students to leave school prepared for their economic roles as workers, consumers, citizens, and lifelong decision-makers in a globally interdependent world.  The Stock Market Game is one important way for students to understand and appreciate our American economic system. The Georgia Council on Economic Education coordinates the Stock Market Game for almost 5,000 teams of students around Georgia. For more information, log onto www.gcee.org.

Laura Stafford
PIO, The Salvation Army of Georgia
404.550.3716
Laura_stafford@uss.salvationarmy.org

Mobile Feeding Units Still Serving in Gordon and Bartow Counties

ATLANTA, GA (February 1, 2013) – Already serving 473 meals, 483 drinks, 234 snacks and providing emotional and spiritual care to 22, The Salvation Army is ready to serve tornado and storm survivors and first responders in Calhoun and Adairsville throughout the weekend.

Most of the men, women and children who come to The Salvation Army have lost everything.  Josh and Ashley are no exception. Having three children, Sammy-6, Alana-9, Joshua-10, they are working hard to put the pieces back together to keep their family stable. They were living at a hotel after their house was recently evicted, and not only was the hotel damaged from the tornado, but their car was picked up by the tornadoes winds.

Josh, Ashley and their family are staying at The Red Cross Shelter. The Salvation Army is helping them search out resources, providing meals, snacks drinks and emotional and spiritual care. “I just need three weeks to stay somewhere to get back on our feet,” says Ashley. “I am so grateful for The Salvation Army and thank God they are here to keep food in our stomachs and to pray with us and support us.”

“It is devastating to see families such as Josh and Ashley’s, especially with young children,” says Lt. Michelle Wilson, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of Cartersville. “The Salvation Army is helping put the pieces back together, starting with a simple meal and offering support. It is an inspiration to see survivors like Ashley who, in the midst of their own troubles, are reaching out trying to help anyone around them; this makes me want to do the most good with everything The Salvation Army has and more.”

“As The Salvation Army is assessing the damage in Bartow and Gordon County, our first and foremost response is to make sure that the storm survivors and first responders’ basic needs are met,” says Major Jim Smith, Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army of Georgia. “We are working tirelessly to make sure they are fed, given something to drink and prayed for.”

The Salvation Army has mobile feeding units (canteen) at the following locations, which is providing breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks and emotional and spiritual care:Calhoun,

• Gordon County: Gordon County EOC- 400 Bellwood Rd.
•  Adairsville, Bartow County: Red Cross Shelter-163 Manning Mill Rd.

After Sunday, The Salvation will be re-assessing to see the needs of a long-term recovery plan. There are also two more canteens on standby, prepared and ready to serve.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by this disaster to visit www.salvationarmygeorgia.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. At this point, in-kind donations, such as used clothing and used furniture, are not being accepted for tornado/storm relief. However, these items are vital to supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Family.

For more information on The Salvation Army’s preparation and response the tornadoes and storms, please visit www.salvationarmygeorgia.org, https://www.facebook.com/thesalvationarmygeorgia or https://twitter.com/tsageorgia.

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 About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmygeorgia.org.

   

John Smoltz will be the Keynote Speaker at the Doing the Most Good Luncheon

(Atlanta, November 07, 2012), The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta will host their Doing the Most Good Luncheon on November 7, at 12:00 noon in the Oceans Ballroom, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Georgia.  Karyn Greer, 11Alive weekday Morning News Anchor will emcee the afternoon program. John Smoltz the most beloved Atlanta Braves player and eight-time Major League All-Star will be the keynote speaker. The Salvation Army will also award community partners; UPS for their generous donations of trucks, logistical support and volunteer’s during the Christmas Season and 11Alive Networks for their 30 year Can-A-Thon partnership.  Each year Can-A-Thon raises over 130,000 pounds of non-perishable and canned food items for The Salvation Army food pantries. The Salvation Army will also recognize a long time friend and champion, Harry V. Lamon with the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service Award; fewer than 100 recipients have received this honor by The Salvation Army.

The luncheon will serve as the kick off for the Red Kettle season.  Major Todd Hawks Metro Atlanta Area Commander said “By this weekend you will see hundreds of our red kettles in various locations throughout Atlanta, our goal this year will be to raise 2 million dollars.  Funds donated to the kettle allow us to support programs that provide meals, and shelter to those that are in need.   Major Hawks added, last year we were able to provide over 157,000 people with a meal and 103,000 people  with shelter,  with recovery still slow we anticipate  that  those in need will still need a hand up”

Over 300 attendees for the lunch donated generously to attend the luncheon.  John Smoltz will host a book signing after the luncheon and place the first donation into the Red Kettle.

THE SALVATION ARMY CELEBRATES 75TH NATIONAL DONUT DAY

 Free donuts to military personnel help commemorate The Salvation Army “Donut Lassies”

(Atlanta, May 31, 2012) On Friday, June 1^st, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command will celebrate the 75th National Donut Day by distributing Krispy Kreme donuts to military personnel at the USO (United Service Organizations) Center inside the Atlanta Hartsfield – Jackson International Airport from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

National Donut Day was established in 1938 to commemorate the work of The Salvation Army “Donut Lassies.” The Donut Lassies are widely credited with popularizing the donut in the United States by feeding American soldiers the tasty treat during World War I. National Donut Day marks an important time in American History and raises awareness for The Salvation Army’s hunger relief programs that continue throughout Metro Atlanta.

“This year we are honored to celebrate National Donut Day with the USO of Georgia by replicating the donut lassies clever idea. A Salvation Army volunteer will dress up as a ‘donut lassie’ and hand out Krispy Kreme donuts to military personnel arriving and departing from the USO Center inside the Atlanta Hartsfield – Jackson International Airport,” says Major Marshall Gesner, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Commander. “This is just one of the many ways that The Salvation Army recognizes the men and women that put their lives on the line to fight for our country each day.”

The Salvation Army joined the USO back in 1941 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt requested that private organizations be responsible for handling the on-leave recreational needs of the U.S. armed forces, thus leading six organizations, (The Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board) to form the USO.

The United Service Organizations is a not for profit organization whose only mission is to serve the men, women and families of our Country’s military personnel and families. The USO lifts the spirits of our troops and military families.

Salvation Army workers continue to care for and comfort thousands of people each day who battle hunger around the world and here in Metro Atlanta. “Last year alone, The Salvation Army provided 144,335 meals to the poor and hungry throughout Metro Atlanta,” said Major Marshall Gesner.

To find out more about The Salvation Army “donut lassies” or to make a donation to The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command, visit www.salvationarmyatlanta.org. For more information about the United Service Organizations, visit www.usogeorgia.org.

NEW YORK, May 29, 2012 — A sweet celebration, 75 years in the making! Entenmann’s Bakery, the maker of more than 100 sweet baked goods, and The Salvation Army have partnered to celebrate the 75^th Annual National Donut Day on June 1^st, 2012 with a sweet celebration.

The holiday, held annually on the first Friday of June, was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 in Chicago to honor the “Donut Lassies” who served these treats to soldiers during World War I and to help raise needed funds during the Great Depression. This significant occasion established the donut as a long-standing symbol of the services The Salvation Army continues to provide.

Entenmann’s Bakery recognizes the importance of the donut with The Salvation Army and has partnered with the organization for a second straight year to be the official donut manufacturer affiliated with National Donut Day. Entenmann’s has two donut factories in Carlisle, PA and Montebello, CA that produce more than 780 million donuts a year, which equates to 15 million donuts a week and more than 100,000 donuts every hour to keep up with the demands of Entenmann’s donut lovers nationwide.

In celebration of the historical day, Entenmann’s will unveil the largest box of donuts in a special event at Madison Square Park in New York City on June 1^st. Fans can also enter to win ‘Free Donuts for a Year’ and additional prizes through a sweepstakes link on the Entenmann’s Facebook page. All entries must be received by 11:59: p.m. ET on June 23, 2012. Winners will be randomly selected from all submissions. Official Rules can be found at www.entenmanns.com.

“We’re proud to support an organization like The Salvation Army for this special milestone,” said Maureen Sticco, Director of Entenmann’s Marketing Services. “Entenmann’s Bakery has been synonymous with fresh baked sweet goods for more than one hundred years. The 75^th Annual National Donut Day is a great opportunity to share our love for donuts with all consumers.”

“National Donut Day has become a true American tradition in which The Salvation Army and Entenmann’s Bakery asks the general public to remember those who fought in World War I, as well as their neighbors who may have fallen on hard times,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “So as Americans enjoy a tasty Entenmann’s donut this year, we ask everyone to consider giving back to support their local community.”

For more information on the 75^th National Donut Day, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org, http://www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyUSA, www.entenmanns.com or www.facebook.com/entenmanns.

On Friday, March 23, 2012, sixteen members of The Salvation Army Bellwood Boys and Girls Club received bicycles and helmets donated by LexisNexis for their hard work in school. The members were selected based upon their grades, behavior, and club participation.

LexisNexis donated 16 bicycles and backpacks filled with school supplies, as well as set up concession stands full of healthy snacks and a bungee inflatable fun-run for every member to enjoy.

“Our kids are so fortunate to have companies like LexisNexis who truly care about the community,” said Patrice Holt, Bellwood Boys & Girls Club Program Director.

The Club’s gym overflowed with joy and enthusiasm as the children enjoyed the bungee inflatable fun-run, danced with the Wii,  and consumed as many popsicles, hotdogs, chips and flavored water they could.

Members then gathered on benches as LexisNexis employees, Monica Garrett and Megan Mahoney announced the names of each bicycle recipient. “To see the smiles and pure enthusiasm on all the kids’ faces is something that my marketing colleagues were honored to be a part of,” explained Megan Mahoney, Senior Director of Marketing.

After distribution, the children immediately took their brand new bicycles to the field for a test ride. For some, it was the very first time they had the opportunity to ride a bicycle. “I have wanted a bike for a very long time and I can’t wait to learn how to ride it,” said six-year-old Nora Smith.

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta provide at-risk youth, ages 6-18, personal growth and development programs in a safe, positive environment. The Salvation Army is grateful for LexisNexis and everything that they do for the community.

February 24^{th –} 26^th, more than 300 residents of Atlanta’s Pittsburgh Community participated in a celebration of African-American arts, music, food, sports, and more at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Atlanta.

The weekend- long celebration kicked off with an awards luncheon honoring NBA legend Dale Ellis, and local community volunteer/radio personality Carol Blackmon with The Center’s Lifetime Achievement and Community Service Awards respectively.

Following the luncheon, The Center opened its doors and arms to the community as volunteers and staff from King of Hoops®, Atlanta Xplosion Football Team and Atlanta Battelcats Basketball Team served over 160 meals to local homeless men and women.

Saturday festivities included a day of music and spoken word by local African American artists, and a Pro-Amateur Basketball Tournament sponsored by Nike Inc. and King of Hoops.  Admission to the Basketball Tournament was free with two canned-good donations.  Over 300 canned goods were donated to The Center for its food pantry.

For the grand-finale, The Center commissioned local artists from The Kaleidoscope Outreach Project to sketch a mural and invited local children to paint-in the artists’ sketch.  The mural, entitled “Planting Seeds For the Future”, features George Washington Carver planting seeds in a garden and those seeds are growing into children.  The mural will be placed in the Center’s Community Garden in the next two weeks.

” The purpose of the weekend was to highlight key achievements from African American that have paved the way for many of the adults and children in this community, and re-introduce Atlanta to the variety of programs we offer,” says Captain Sandra Pawar, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

According to Pawar, recognizing Dale Ellis and hosting the Basketball Tournament was in celebration of the contributions African-Americans have made to sports, and engage the community in the many sports programs at The Center.  Similarly, honoring Carol Blackman and featuring local musicians was in recognition of African-Americans contribution to music and arts and in hopes of engaging more local men and women and children in similar programs at The Center.

On her daily runs, Anne Mahlum jogged past a homeless shelter in Philadelphia. Over time, Mahlum developed a friendly rapport with some of the shelter’s residents who used to stand on the corner.  She decided to reach out to the executive director encouraging him to allow the men join her on her runs. She bought running shoes and clothes for nine men and Back on My Feet was launched in 2007.

Back on My Feet came to Atlanta last November in hopes to improve the lives of Atlanta’s homeless population through running. Currently, there are three teams of 15 from Trinity House-Big Bethel, The Gateway Center, and The Salvation Army.

“Through running, we are aiming to improve self-esteem, improve discipline, building confidence, and a sense of consistency” said Program Director Tiffany Brennaman. “With our volunteers and the members’ commitment, we are aiming to change the perception of homelessness and really help these men move their lives forward.”

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, volunteers and the teams run in each facility’s Downtown Atlanta  location as a part of the men’s commitment to the Back on My Feet program. On Saturdays, all groups run together at The Salvation Army Red Shield Services Shelter.

The program demands 90 percent attendance from the participants. In addition to running, the program awards each member a scholarship that is directly paid from Back on My Feet toward debts  the members may owe. The nonprofit also partners with corporations to provide the participants with resources such as job readiness and financial literacy classes. The program gives the participants four to six months to become fully sufficient, gainfully employed, and in their own housing.

“This does not happen without the volunteers,” said John Hannula, executive director of Trinity Community Ministries. “The support from the community has a true impact on these men.”

Avien Reese, who joined the program in December, credits the organization for his pursuit of a positive change. “I never thought running would make such a difference to me. This has taught me to finish things once I start them, and the community support means everything,” he shared. Reese has finished three 5Ks and will start training for his first half-marathon.

Article Written by Devika Rao AJC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Robert Brady
Bbrady@xenophonstrategies.com

Salvation Army Sets Fundraising Record During 120^th Red Kettle Campaign With Help from American Donors

$147.6 Million Raised as Salvation Army Fundraiser Reaches Young Philanthropists

Alexandria, VA (January 30, 2012) - The Salvation Army raised $147.6 million
through the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign, marking a new fundraising record for the campaign. The new record, a 3.4 percent increase from 2010, highlights the support of American donors who gave generously despite a continued slow economy. In its 120^th year, after beginning on the wharf in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has become a Christmas tradition that utilizes volunteers to ring bells at 25,000 red kettles across the country. In 2011, The Salvation Army expanded on the Campaign by incorporating new technologies at kettles and hosting national events to inspire giving. 

 ”In troubling times, we are truly grateful for the generosity of the American donor to support the traditions of the campaign and help The Salvation Army carry on its Mission,” said Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “We have been working to expand the Red Kettle Campaign to reach new and young donors, and with continued support, we are able to meet human need in His name during the winter months and year round.”

 In keeping with tradition, the Dallas Cowboys helped The Salvation Army launch the campaign by hosting the 15th annual National Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Grammy Award winning, international superstar Enrique Iglesias performed LIVE, with special guest Pitbull, on a nationally televised stage on Thanksgiving Day, singing to more than 31 million Americans. The nationally televised kickoff and the promotion surrounding it, is a reminder to all Americans about the importance of giving to the red kettles during the holidays and throughout the year.

 The Salvation Army, in partnership with Sky Blue Group, Swift Entertainment and Universal Studios CityWalk, also hosted the second annual “Rock the Red Kettle Concert” on December 17 to encourage young Americans to support charitable causes. With host Mario Lopez of “Extra,” popular, Grammy-winning and platinum-selling recording artists such as Honor Society, Greyson Chance, Hanson, Colbie Caillat, Cody Simpson, and Drake Bell performed at Universal Studios CityWalk’s state-of-the-art “5 Towers” concert venue in Hollywood. World-renowned actor and recording artist Robert Davi made a guest appearance at the concert, following the release of his re-imagined version of the Christmas classic, “Mistletoe and Holly.” Proceeds from the song’s sales supported the Red Kettle Campaign.

 Salvation Army bell-ringers manned red kettles at store fronts and in shopping malls nationwide. Corporate partners Walmart and Sam’s Club, who have been a partner with the Army for nearly 30 years, hosted kettles at store and club locations to collect $41.5 million and $5 million respectively, or 32 percent of this year’s total. The Walmart Foundation also made a donation of $1 million to the Army as part of its effort to support hunger relief in America.

 ”We want to thank our associates, customers and members for their extreme generosity in giving to The Salvation Army during the holiday season,” said Michelle Gilliard, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “Each dollar raised at Red Kettles in front of our stores and clubs are making an impact in local communities and helping individuals and families live better.”

 Sam’s Club and The Salvation Army also partnered with Off the Field, a professional football players’ wives association, to host the fifth annual Dream Drive on December 8. Twenty pre-selected families from The Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family program in 10 cities received $1,000 in gifts, including food, clothes and toys from Sam’s Club for a total donation of $200,000.

 More than 2,100 Kroger store locations across the country hosted kettles, raising $13.1 million, or 9 percent of the campaign’s total. Donations at nearly 600 Big Lots stores raised $1.4 million for the campaign at physical Red Kettle total.

“We are ever grateful for the charitable support and compassion of all our corporate partners,” said Commissioner Roberts. “Through their big-heartedness, along with the generosity of the millions of Americans who gave, The Salvation Army is able to continue its work to help those in need.”

 To make donating easier for those who only carry credit cards, The Salvation Army partnered with Square, which donated credit card readers for the Army to use in test markets – San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas and New York. Sprint also donated smartphone devices to The Salvation Army to mobilize the credit card application.

 Online bell-ringers were also a big part of the Red Kettle Campaign for the seventh year in a row. By visiting The Salvation Army’s Online Red Kettle (onlineredkettle.org), donors could raise money with family, friends and colleagues. The Army raised more than $1.7 million through the Online Red Kettles, up from $1.6 million in 2010. Other online donations in November and December, not through the Online Red Kettle system, totaled $17.6 million, a 28 percent increase over the $13.7 million raised in 2010.

 In addition to raising $3.3 million in kettles at more than 600 jcpenney locations, The Salvation Army partnered with jcpenney for the third year to bring Christmas gifts to 63,000 children and seniors as part of the Angel Giving Tree Online at jcp.com/angel.  Customers could adopt, shop and ship gifts for people in need through jcp.com.

             “Technology is changing the way charities raise money. Whether through a credit card at a kettle or online, we’re making an effort to reach the next generation of donors and make it convenient for people to support the campaign,” said Commissioner Roberts.

 In addition, to help raise awareness and support people in need during the campaign at physical kettles, The Salvation Army hosted the inaugural World Record Bell Ringing Contest. Twenty-four volunteer bell ringers set out to surpass a benchmark of 36 hours of continuous ringing of a hand bell at street corners and in front of local partner store fronts. Three bell ringers, Caleb Stokes and Leilan McNally in Indianapolis, IN and Darrell Tureskis in Springfield, IL surpassed the record and rang a bell in support of The Salvation Army for 60 hours straight.

 The Red Kettle Campaign, the oldest annual charitable fundraiser of its kind in the United States, helps raise money for those who need it most in communities nationwide – providing toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. From its humble beginnings as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable outreach efforts in the United States.