An Urgent Plea from the Salvation Army

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To The Editor:

For many people this year, their Christmas stockings will be empty.There will be no gifts under the tree, if there is a tree. There won’t be twinkling lights or window candles. But, with the help of generous red kettle donors, The Salvation Army will be able to continue to help those in need. Help people with food for their tables, small gifts for children, warmth for their homes – then continue to help them year ’round.
You see, The Salvation Army’s New Jersey kettles are dangerously low. In fact, kettle donations are down and have not even reached 50% of the $2.2 million goal.  And the red kettles will only be out until December 24th which is just around the corner.  Compounding the situation, requests for assistance are significantly up as much as 22% since just last year.  And, the cost to provide services to the needy has skyrocketed.
December is a critical month for The Salvation Army. But with the help of people like Linda who sent a check and wrote, “Many times I heard stories from my father that if it were not for The Salvation Army providing coal for his family…there would not have been any heat many winters in his home …So thanks to you … this is a small token of a daughters appreciation!!!
 
Kettle and other holiday donations are used throughout the year, not just during the holidays. They’re used for food, clothing, shelter, youth & senior programs, emergency prescription, rental and utility assistance and so much more.  Imagine if Diane, an out of work single mom, couldn’t get food and milk for her children at the Army’s food pantry.  Or if Joe, a hard-working but out of work construction worker, couldn’t get help from the Army when his child was sick and needed a prescription.
Won’t you please help?  You could tuck some extra money in the next kettle you see. Or you could mail a check or call with a credit card donation. Whatever you can do will be appreciated. We’re relying on the good faith of our friends, donors and the public to help us this year more than ever. We are grateful for each evidence of your generosity.
To make a donation on-line, please visit  www.salvationarmynj.org/christmas. ; To make a donation by phone, please call 908-851-8232. To make a donation by mail, please send your check to The Salvation Army, PO Box 3170, Union, NJ 07083.  To make a text donation, text GIVENJ to 85944 and reply YES to confirm your $10 donation.  For information, please call 908-851-8227.
 
Major Donald E. Barry
NJ State Commander
The Salvation Army
Union