Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Influence Central for The Salvation Army. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind for our family as we just made a big move from Texas to Ohio. We felt so blessed that our friends actually put up and decorated a Christmas tree for us in our new house! It is always so nice when people are generous, and we are always trying to inspire our children to think of others during the holidays as well. So when we saw the familiar Red Kettle up here in Ohio that we had also been donating to down in Texas, it was a great reminder that no matter where we are Salvation Army is there to support those in need.
I remember as a child wanting to put money in the Red Kettle as well, and I am so excited that our kids share that same excitement and have a heart to give to others in need.
The Salvation Army is one of the world’s oldest and largest providers of social services. It was originally established in London in 1865 and have been helping people internationally for almost 150 years and for more than 130 years here in the United States.
The Salvation Army offers a variety of services that target the needs of the local community. These needs include homelessness, disaster relief, substance abuse rehabilitation, and more.
Through the public’s generosity in 2013, in the United States alone:
- The Salvation Army served more than 58 million meals to the needy.
- 204,000 people received rehabilitation services through donations to Family Stores.
- Over 203,000 underprivileged children attended day care and summer day camps.
- The Army provided nearly 10 million nights of shelter.
- 324,000 people received help during times of disaster.
- More than 4 million families and children were served during the holidays.
- More than 1.8 million people received help through senior, medical and institutional services.
I feel good about giving to The Salvation Army because I appreciate what they do for others, and I think it’s important not only for us to give back to others but to teach our children to do so as well! The holidays can be particularly hard for families who are struggling, and I am so glad to know The Salvation Army does so much to reach those families.
The kettles have been put away for another year, but giving has no season. Be sure to share your #RedKettleReason and carry it into the new year! Be sure to visit RedKettleReason.org to share your #RedKettleReason, see others’ reasons, and make a donation online!
Thanks so much for the Wonderful Review on The Salvation Army: Doing the Most Good #RedKettleReason! Yes, every year they are out and about standing in the cold ringing their bells. I never have any money on me and I feel so terribly bad walking past them without donating! I know that I was out with my Daughter, Amanda, and my 2 grandchildren and we walked into the grocery store. My grandson kept asking what the man with the bell was doing. We explained to him what the Red Kettle meant and why the man was standing outside ringing the bell. He pestered the entire time that he wanted to put money into the kettle to help people. Neither of us had cash on us, so we got some cash back on our charged purchases of food and gave the money to my grandson who was so excited to be helping the boys and girls and people in need. Of course, it wasn’t a big amount, but at least Nolan felt what giving was and knew what it was going for. I try to help out as best I can but with no money in my pockets, it’s very difficult! Thanks so much for sharing all the statistics about the 2013 year and about the Red Kettle Reason! I really appreciate it! Thanks again, Michele 🙂
Michele Ash recently posted…We Made It! Our Moving Adventure
Every donation helps – big and small. How wonderful that he wanted to give! 🙂
Emilee recently posted…The Salvation Army: Doing the Most Good #RedKettleReason