Salvation Army nears campaign goal

The Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee is at 73 percent of its $3 million Christmas Campaign goal. To date, donations total $2,265,808. Although Red Kettles will not be seen or heard again until next Christmas, Milwaukee residents still have an opportunity to give through Sunday, Jan. 31.
“The money donated during our annual Christmas Campaign will help to keep critical programs and services in place for those most in need. We’ve seen a 30 percent increase in basic needs in 2009. In order to continue to address emergency requests we must meet or surpass our $3 million goal,” said Major Jesse Collins, Salvation Army Milwaukee County Commander.
According to Debra Lewis, Salvation Army social service director, more than 1,400 people received assistance from the Salvation Army food pantry each month in 2009. That is up from the 1,200 a month average in 2008. The organization served nearly 8,000 people at its Christmas Family Feast and more than 15,000 children in the Milwaukee area received toys through the Toys for Tots program.
“These numbers speak volumes to the many individuals and families who are in need in Milwaukee County,” she said.
Donations can be made on line at www.SAmilwaukee.org or by mailing your donation to: The Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee, P.O. Box 26019, Wauwatosa, WI  53226 or text a $10 donation to SALARMY at 52000.