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57th ANNUAL NATIONAL SALVATION ARMY WEEK RAISES AWARENESS FOR UNDERSERVED IN AMERICA

Baseball Games, Luncheons, Fashion Shows and Other Events Honor Importance of Giving Back

(Alexandria, VA) May 10, 2010 – The Salvation Army celebrated the launch of the 57th annual National Salvation Army Week today with a planned series of events across the country. Each event encourages Americans to donate to or volunteer with The Salvation Army, representing the original intent of President Dwight D. Eisenhower when he declared the first National Salvation Army Week in 1954.  The Salvation Army hopes to draw attention to underserved communities during a time when the Army is seeing many families and individuals struggling to make ends meet due to the challenging economic climate.

“The purpose of this week is to raise awareness about The Salvation Army and the work we do to help people in need 365 days a year,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “Across the country, local Salvation Army Corps have seen increased need from people in the communities, and are spreading the word about the importance of Americans giving back to support their neighbors. Whether it’s through volunteering at a Salvation Army food bank or donating clothing to a Salvation Army thrift store, the public’s support is needed more than ever.”

National Salvation Army Week will be celebrated through a variety of activities and events across the country, including:

• Cincinnati, OH: The Salvation Army will celebrate the 125th Anniversary of serving the greater Cincinnati community by hosting a luncheon for supporters on May 11. The theme for this year’s event is "Lean on Me."

• Denver, CO: A Salvation Army brass band will play the National Anthem as the Colorado Rockies take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, May 14.

• Fort Lauderdale, FL:  The Salvation Army is hosting the MOST Amazing Race, a fund raising event benefiting the Fort Lauderdale Area Command’s homeless shelter for families. The race will take place on Saturday May 15. Patterned after the CBS show “The Amazing Race,” this scavenger-hunt-like race will take place over an entire day, leading teams on a large scale race around Fort Lauderdale. The first team to reach the finish line will win the grand prize of $1,000.

• Honolulu, HI: The Salvation Army will host its 22nd Fashion Show and Boutique on May 8 to showcase the quality and style of second-hand apparel available at the Army’s family and thrift stores. Clients from Salvation Army adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs) and Family Treatment Services will perform as models.

• San Diego, CA: On May 13, The Salvation Army’s Centre City Corps will open its doors to players from the San Diego Chargers to serve the homeless in downtown San Diego.

• Salem, OR: The Salvation Army will attempt to raise $100,000 in one hour during the third annual “Belief in Action” luncheon for supporters at the new Salvation Army Kroc Community Center on May 12th.

• Syracuse, NY: The Salvation Army will deliver doughnuts to 250 supporters, including community and corporate partners, agency offices, special volunteers and major donors throughout the entire week. Additionally, The Salvation Army will host a Volunteer Recognition & Prayer Breakfast/Can-Do Awards on May 11.

“The Salvation Army would not be able to provide help to nearly 30 million people in need each year without the millions of Americans who support us with time and money each year,” said Major Hood. “We’re very excited this year to say thanks through these events and hope to encourage others in local communities to lend a hand – not just this week, but throughout the entire year.”

Since beginning its work in the United States in 1880, The Salvation Army has grown into one of the largest social service providers in the country, providing direct support to 30 million Americans each year through a variety of programs. 

Over time, President Eisenhower recognized the growing involvement of the Army in the U.S. and overseas during WWI and WWII stating, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern.  In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all.”

Though the dates have changed since the United Stated Congress declared and President Eisenhower proclaimed the first National Salvation Army Week on November 18, 1954, the work of The Salvation Army has not changed. More information about National Salvation Army Week and The Salvation Army’s service programs in more than 5,000 areas nationwide is available online at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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 129 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 support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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