Salvation Army Issues a Call to Action for Metro Atlanta Residents

/PRNewswire/ -- Never has the demand for The Salvation Army's work been so dire, nor more taxing on its program staff, volunteers and operational resources. Record-breaking unemployment, hot weather, and the economy have The Salvation Army fielding some 40,000 calls a day from metro Atlanta residents struggling to make ends meet this summer. The Salvation Army is issuing a Call To Action asking metro Atlanta residents to phone, mail, or click donations of $50 or more to help raise an additional $300,000 in much-needed revenue by September 30, 2010.

"It's disheartening for our staff and volunteers to see and hear the calls for help from hurting individuals and families," says Major James Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Commander who says the Army is working diligently to try to meet the needs of the callers. "People are not just calling on the phones for our assistance."

Seiler notes an August 4th Back To School Bash at The Salvation Army's Lawrenceville facilities where more than 900 people showed up in hopes of receiving one of the 482 back to school backpacks the organization was distributing, as well as, the fact that since opening a new shelter for homeless families in November 2009, "177 families (which included 253 homeless children) have moved from the shelter to permanent housing and yet the beds are once again filled and calls are coming in everyday from more families seeking shelter."

While partnerships with agencies such as Georgia Power and United Way have provided the necessary funds to grant these callers emergency financial assistance, the cost to continue to serve these individuals and families in need is taxing the organization's operational expenses.

"Thus far, we've had to restructure our phone systems to allow a greater number of calls to get through, but the number of calls has already shut-down our phone system twice. We've also spent an additional $140,000 in overtime and other staff expenses to allow more hours to schedule appointments."

Seiler says with the recession forcing many local organizations to reduce their workforce and operational hours, The Salvation Army is one of the few remaining agencies where these callers can be referred and possibly receive help. "But, we need the community's full support to continue to meet these needs."

The Salvation Army is asking metro Atlanta residents with the capacity to give, to make a minimum $50 donation today through a number of user-friendly options.

Donations may be made by using the Call To Action link at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, by mailing your donation c/o Call To Action, The Salvation Army PO Box 49247, Atlanta GA 30359.

Donors can share the Call To Action message through Facebook and Twitter widgets and get real-time updates at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, or at www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta.

"Additionally, we are reaching out to our major donors, corporate and foundation partners to raise an additional $500,000 in support," explains Seiler. "We are committed to meet these growing needs, and no stone will be left unturned in our efforts to do so."

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Schools Nationwide Receive $12.8 Million in Extra Credit Funds From Target

/PRNewswire/ -- Target announced today that its Take Charge of Education® school fundraising initiative has provided more than $12.8 million in funding to schools nationwide. Until recently, Target donated to schools twice a year. The undesignated funds can be used for whatever schools need most, from books and school supplies to classroom technology, artist-in-residence programs and extracurricular activities. As the program continues its 12th year, Take Charge of Education has donated more than $273 million to more than 100,000 schools nationwide - 75 percent of the nation's K-12 schools.

"As schools nationwide continue to endure sharp budget cuts, they are in need of immediate support and leadership from outside sources more than ever," said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. "Take Charge of Education allows our Target team members to create meaningful relationships with their local schools, while also inviting guests to easily help us make a real difference every day by positively impacting local students' learning experiences."

Take Charge of Education allows Target guests to easily designate an eligible K-12 school of their choice and have Target donate an amount equal to one percent of their REDcard(SM) (Target® Visa® Credit Card, Target Credit Card(SM) and Target Check Card(SM)) purchases made at Target and Target.com*. In addition, Target also donates 0.5 percent of Target Visa Credit Card purchases made everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted.

Schools like Red River High School in Grand Forks, N,D, use the donations to help fund student groups that don't have budgets and need assistance with registration fees, travel and supply costs. In the past they have funded students involved with Science Bowl and Science Fair competitions. Take Charge of Education, along with the support of parents, helps make good things happen for its students.

Beginning in 2010, Take Charge of Education payouts will be distributed once a year in September, as opposed to twice a year. This is a change from the past, when schools would receive payouts in March and September. By changing the payout schedule from twice a year to once a year, Target will be able to streamline processes and better serve schools - eliminating any confusion with multiple payouts. The September payout is an optimal time to award schools with Take Charge of Education support, as a way of celebrating the start of a new school year and offering schools some additional support to help with needs. Total funds to schools will not be altered or affected.

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