CLEVELAND — With the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic still at the forefront across the United States and Northeastern Ohio, the Salvation Army is beginning its giving season with Christmas just 75 days away.
“Early giving could be the key to keeping families fed in their homes this holiday season,” Salvation Army officials said Monday in a press release.
The Salvation Army of Northeast and Northwest Ohio relies on individuals to help the organization combat the impact of poverty from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the Salvation Army’s goals is to help families overcome the possibility of eviction and hunger during the holiday season. Social services organizations like The Salvation Army have worked to provide help and hope since the pandemic started. Still, officials say the recovery will be slow and needs this holiday season are expected to be at record levels.
“With the resurgence of COVID-19, The Salvation Army of Northeast & Northwest Ohio anticipates requests this holiday season for service to increase by as much as 125 percent more when compared to pre-pandemic levels,” said Major Cindy-Lou Drummond, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio. “With the public’s generosity, The Salvation Army will continue to provide help and hope for thousands of individuals and families in need.”
The organization says their team served more than 3.6 million meals and made Christmas possible for more than 200,000 families in need last year during the pandemic. They also provided 229,000 nights of shelter and aided 6,600 individuals with assistance in paying their utility bills.
Those who are interested in helping the Salvation Army of Northeast and Northwest Ohio this holiday season can do the following:
- Enlist in Love's Army with a sustaining gift of $25 per month.
- Visit SalvationArmyOhio.Org and sign up to volunteer at a red kettle or distribute Angel Tree gifts to children in need. Note: The Salvation Army is applying national safety protocols at all red kettles to ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners.
- Donate digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo at any red kettle across the country.
- Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, "Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army," then specifying the amount.
- Give any amount by texting "KETTLES" to 51555.
- Provide new toys and clothing through The Salvation Army Angel Tree for local children of families in need.
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