/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power and its customers are celebrating a more than $50 million contribution milestone to Project SHARE, commemorating a 25-year partnership with The Salvation Army to help Georgians in need. A special event marking the occasion was held at Georgia Power's corporate headquarters in Atlanta, today, to celebrate donating $52 million to Project SHARE.
Project SHARE, which was begun in 1985 by The Salvation Army, provides emergency assistance to Georgians who need help with things such as housing, food, medical care and utility services. A corporate partner with The Salvation Army since the program started, Georgia Power is one of only a few companies in the country that matches customer contributions dollar for dollar. With the corporate match, each contribution can make twice the impact in the lives of those who need it most.
"Project SHARE is a signature program of The Salvation Army," said Major Jim Arrowood, The Salvation Army's Georgia Divisional Commander. "It is through the generosity and concern of corporate partners like Georgia Power that Project SHARE is able to address the growing needs of Georgia families in crisis."
Georgia Power encourages its customers to lend a hand to their fellow Georgians by contributing as little as $1 per month to the program on their power bills. The money customers contribute to Project SHARE stays in the counties where it's donated to address local needs.
"Project SHARE thanks Georgia Power and its customers for helping us help so many people in time of need," Arrowood said. "Georgia Power's support is especially meaningful in the current economic environment which has presented new challenges for local families and for our resources."
As we enter the winter season, Project SHARE will be particularly helpful to those in need as they struggle to cope with higher heating costs.
"We at Georgia Power appreciate our customers' generosity and ongoing support," said Georgia Power President and CEO Mike Garrett. "It's a privilege for our company to partner with The Salvation Army and we look forward to continuing our association through this program for many years to come."
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 The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.
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Showing posts with label salvation army. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salvation army. Show all posts
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Virtual Red Kettles and Plastic Cash
/PRNewswire/ -- Across the country, the nation's largest charitable organizations have reported drastic declines in donations. While The Salvation Army saw a national decline of 8.5% in revenue, thanks to a generous response to a summer Call To Action Fundraising Campaign, its metro Atlanta programs closed the year at just $620,000 (3%) below prior year totals. This holiday season, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta is looking to new and aggressive online tactics to draw donations to its Virtual Red Kettles, and wireless credit card machines at a number of its Traditional Red Kettle locations.
"The Salvation Army is an organization steeped in history and tradition, but over the years our traditional kettle campaign has been weakened by a decline in retail shopping, increase in online shopping, and a shortage of retail outlets willing to allow kettles and bellringers outside of their locations," explains Major James Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Commander, who says the traditional red kettles will begin trickling out November 15th and will be in full swing by November 22nd.
"There are no plans to do away with the beloved kettle tradition, but technology now affords us new ways to attract a more diverse group, and larger gifts from those who wish to give."
Additionally, 30-50 of its traditional Red Kettle Bellringers at select Wal-mart, Simon Malls, and Sam's Club locations will be equipped with wireless credit card machines to allow passersby to donate more than the customary spare change.
On November 1st, The Salvation Army launched a Virtual Red Kettle Campaign on it's website at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, which will be there through December 31, and is hosting weekly promotions on its Facebook and Twitter pages to engage new donors.
According to Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's 2009 Online Red Kettle campaign netted the organization $91,000 last holiday season. This year, the charitable organization hopes to raise at least $200,000.
"The virtual kettles allow us to expand the program's time frame and encourage larger average gifts than the change typically placed with Bellringers outside of the stores. They also help us reach donors who elect to do their holiday shopping online. The credit card machines at kettles mean those who typically do not carry cash can still stop by a kettle and make a donation."
Credit card kettles will be positioned at metro Atlanta area Wal-Marts, Simon Malls, and Kroger locations.
This year, 43,581 people received emergency assistance through The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta area programs and services. Of them, 20,814 were first-time recipients of any form of Salvation Army assistance. A large number of them stated that they had contributed to The Salvation Army's Red Kettles in the past.
The 2009 Red Kettle Campaign raised $1.9 million dollars in funds used to provide new toys, clothing, meals, and provide emergency assistance to homeless and hungry families. This year, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta hopes to raise $2.1 million to help address the increasing needs of local individuals and families in need.
Statistical highlights:
* 43,581 people received emergency assistance with rent, utilities and food assistance. (50% of whom were first-time recipients of Salvation Army services)
* 139,249 meals were served to homeless men, women and children
* 47,243 holiday gifts were distributed to impoverished children and the elderly
* 14,501 visits to the elderly, sick and shut-ins in institutions during the holidays
Find out more about The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta programs, or become a holiday volunteer at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta, @SalvationArmyA on Twitter.
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"The Salvation Army is an organization steeped in history and tradition, but over the years our traditional kettle campaign has been weakened by a decline in retail shopping, increase in online shopping, and a shortage of retail outlets willing to allow kettles and bellringers outside of their locations," explains Major James Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Commander, who says the traditional red kettles will begin trickling out November 15th and will be in full swing by November 22nd.
"There are no plans to do away with the beloved kettle tradition, but technology now affords us new ways to attract a more diverse group, and larger gifts from those who wish to give."
Additionally, 30-50 of its traditional Red Kettle Bellringers at select Wal-mart, Simon Malls, and Sam's Club locations will be equipped with wireless credit card machines to allow passersby to donate more than the customary spare change.
On November 1st, The Salvation Army launched a Virtual Red Kettle Campaign on it's website at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, which will be there through December 31, and is hosting weekly promotions on its Facebook and Twitter pages to engage new donors.
According to Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's 2009 Online Red Kettle campaign netted the organization $91,000 last holiday season. This year, the charitable organization hopes to raise at least $200,000.
"The virtual kettles allow us to expand the program's time frame and encourage larger average gifts than the change typically placed with Bellringers outside of the stores. They also help us reach donors who elect to do their holiday shopping online. The credit card machines at kettles mean those who typically do not carry cash can still stop by a kettle and make a donation."
Credit card kettles will be positioned at metro Atlanta area Wal-Marts, Simon Malls, and Kroger locations.
This year, 43,581 people received emergency assistance through The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta area programs and services. Of them, 20,814 were first-time recipients of any form of Salvation Army assistance. A large number of them stated that they had contributed to The Salvation Army's Red Kettles in the past.
The 2009 Red Kettle Campaign raised $1.9 million dollars in funds used to provide new toys, clothing, meals, and provide emergency assistance to homeless and hungry families. This year, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta hopes to raise $2.1 million to help address the increasing needs of local individuals and families in need.
Statistical highlights:
* 43,581 people received emergency assistance with rent, utilities and food assistance. (50% of whom were first-time recipients of Salvation Army services)
* 139,249 meals were served to homeless men, women and children
* 47,243 holiday gifts were distributed to impoverished children and the elderly
* 14,501 visits to the elderly, sick and shut-ins in institutions during the holidays
Find out more about The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta programs, or become a holiday volunteer at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta, @SalvationArmyA on Twitter.
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Twitter: @FayetteFP
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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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"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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Friday, September 25, 2009
Stein Mart Once Again Teams with Salvation Army for Give & Receive Event
/PRNewswire/ -- Based on the success of two previous events, Stein Mart has again partnered with The Salvation Army for the national Give & Receive clothing drive, October 1-3. In a year that has brought financial challenges to many Americans and with the winter months fast approaching, Stein Mart and The Salvation Army have decided to team up for the second time in 2009 to help those who might be in need of clothes for the winter season. Shoppers who bring clean, gently used garments in good condition to any Stein Mart store during the Give & Receive event will receive savings on new fall fashions and much more.
Stein Mart previously teamed with The Salvation Army for Give & Receive events in October 2008 and February 2009. In total, approximately 800,000 pieces of clothing have been donated by Stein Mart shoppers to help replenish The Salvation Army Thrift and Family Stores. All proceeds from the Thrift and Family Stores directly support The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where over 340,000 men and women turned their lives around in 2008.
For each item donated, contributors will receive a coupon for 20% off any item.* Those who donate will have the opportunity to redeem their coupons on a variety of items including fashion apparel for women, men and children from many top designers and brands, as well as accessories, gifts, linens and shoes.
"We are proud to once again partner with Salvation Army," said Stein Mart chairman Jay Stein. "Our loyal customers continuously step up to join us in our efforts to support this valued organization. We are honored to again have this opportunity to help those in need and hope to make this an ongoing initiative."
"We were greatly encouraged by the success of last year's partnership with Stein Mart, which demonstrated that even during times of economic uncertainty, people are still able and willing to give generously," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "With winter months fast approaching, The Salvation Army appreciates the continued support of Stein Mart and its customers, who have allowed us to provide critical services to those in need."
For more information about The Salvation Army, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. For more information on Stein Mart or to find your nearest location, please visit www.steinmart.com.
*Coupons can be redeemed at Stein Mart locations October 1-3, 2009. Limit four coupons per customer while supplies last. Customers can donate as many items as they like. Tax receipts are available for donations.
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Stein Mart previously teamed with The Salvation Army for Give & Receive events in October 2008 and February 2009. In total, approximately 800,000 pieces of clothing have been donated by Stein Mart shoppers to help replenish The Salvation Army Thrift and Family Stores. All proceeds from the Thrift and Family Stores directly support The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where over 340,000 men and women turned their lives around in 2008.
For each item donated, contributors will receive a coupon for 20% off any item.* Those who donate will have the opportunity to redeem their coupons on a variety of items including fashion apparel for women, men and children from many top designers and brands, as well as accessories, gifts, linens and shoes.
"We are proud to once again partner with Salvation Army," said Stein Mart chairman Jay Stein. "Our loyal customers continuously step up to join us in our efforts to support this valued organization. We are honored to again have this opportunity to help those in need and hope to make this an ongoing initiative."
"We were greatly encouraged by the success of last year's partnership with Stein Mart, which demonstrated that even during times of economic uncertainty, people are still able and willing to give generously," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "With winter months fast approaching, The Salvation Army appreciates the continued support of Stein Mart and its customers, who have allowed us to provide critical services to those in need."
For more information about The Salvation Army, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. For more information on Stein Mart or to find your nearest location, please visit www.steinmart.com.
*Coupons can be redeemed at Stein Mart locations October 1-3, 2009. Limit four coupons per customer while supplies last. Customers can donate as many items as they like. Tax receipts are available for donations.
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