The Salvation Army Breaks Last Years Record Numbers Thanks To YOU

Salisbury, MD…… The Salisbury Corps of The Salvation Army has released preliminary results of its annual Red Kettle Campaign and the numbers show that the Lower Shore community continues to reach out and help friends and neighbors in record numbers. The Red Kettle Campaign is one of three components of the Corps annual Christmas appeal which also includes a direct mail campaign and in-kind donations. Final results from the entire Christmas appeal will not be available until the first week of February.

“We cannot thank the community enough for their compassion, generosity and tenacity in the face of difficult economic times, brutal weather and other challenges,” said Captain Cameron Henderson, Salisbury Corps Officer. Kettle donations increased by more than 10% over last year’s record, equaling more than $182,000.00 to date. “God has sent so many angels to bless us!”

In anticipation of a tough fundraising season due to the economy, the Salisbury Corps added “revenue enhancers” to support the traditional red kettles that were placed outside 30 key locations in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties. The campaign began fueled by donors to the newly formed “Red Kettle Club”, who gave a minimum of $1,000.00 to support the effort. During the actual bell ringing time period, the Campaign benefited from special event kettles at The Magi Fund concerts; Salisbury University’s Holiday Band Concert; Southern Boys Restaurants - Sobo’s, Boonies and Specific Gravity; Christmas tree lightings in Salisbury and Fruitland; and Parker Place Christmas Lights in Pittsville.

Coin canister collections were held by Cato Gas & Oil, Bank of Delmarva, First Shore Federal Savings and Loan, Princess Anne Elementary and Asbury Child Development Center. Red Kettle paper cut-outs were sold at branches of Hebron Savings Bank, Bank of Delmarva and Bank of Ocean City.

St. Francis de Sales School, Salisbury Christian School and Wicomico County elementary and intermediate schools participated in old-fashioned, fill the milk cartons drives that generated almost $12,000.00 to help children in need.

“The outpouring of support from so many different segments of the community – especially the children – is so heartwarming”, said Henderson. “The bell ringers who braved some of the worst weather we’ve seen in years; the new partnerships that were formed - it is all very humbling and very much in keeping with the true meaning of Christmas”.

“If we had not had such severe weather the last weekend before Christmas, particularly on “Super Saturday” as well as several days of heavy rain, we believe we could have met our aggressive goal of $200,000.00” added Henderson.

The mail campaign, another large component of the Christmas appeal, continues until the end of January and Captain Henderson urges the community to continue to send in donations. “Christmas is just one time of need. We are already experiencing an exceptionally cold winter, with what are usually the coldest months still ahead. The need doesn’t not stop for food, warm clothing and warm shelter just because the holiday has passed”, said Henderson.

In-kind donations have also been exceptionally generous for this year’s Christmas appeal and especially to the Red Kettle Campaign. Sperry Van Ness/Miller Property Management donated office space that was used as Campaign Headquarters, Alarm Engineering donated a state-of-the-art security system for the space and Pittsville Ford, a member of the Preston Automotive Group, donated the use of a Ford Transit during the weeks of bell ringing that was used to deliver and pick up kettles throughout Wicomico County.

“Once again, the members of the community have shown their true spirit and risen to the challenge of helping those most in need, and once again, God has blessed our efforts. We believe He has a lot for us to do in His Name,” said Henderson. “May God Bless all who gave, all who served, all who benefited and those still in need”.

Contributions are gratefully accepted at any time throughout the year to the Salisbury Corps of The Salvation Army, 407 Oak Street, Salisbury, Maryland 21804.