A Christmas Letter From Major Smith
The holiday season is fast approaching and The Salvation Army is gearing up for our busiest time. Providing toys for children, distributing warm winter coats, and visiting the sick and elderly are again our focus. Major Alvin Smith writes you his personal letter on how we are preparing to reach even more people during the holidays.
Dear Friends,
As the cool air and colorful leaves bring fall to the Triangle, we are all reminded of the holiday season that is fast approaching. For many of us, these changes in the weather bring fond memories of quality time spent with family and friends, delicious holiday meals, and the joy of exchanging gifts with loved ones. However, for The Salvation Army, it is our most arduous time of the year. Last Christmas we served over 13,000 individuals. We brought hope and compassion to children, to elderly, and to many other needy souls.
Howwe helped others through your generosity:
• Children provided with new Toys/Gifts…………….3,028
• Angel Tree Gifts Distributed……………………….15,090
• New Toys Distributed……………………....……...15,652
• Individuals Receiving Gifts at Nursing Homes,
Hospitals, Institutions, etc……………………....…..6,983
• Stockings Distributed to Children……………….….3,000
• Volunteers…………………………………………....1,672
• Volunteer Hours………………………………….….3,345
• Winter Coats Distributed…………………………….………6,000
This year, we would like to help even more needy people. I invite you to join us in this year’s efforts and help us during the upcoming holiday season. Whether it’s through your financial support, time, or talents, all your gifts count.
How can you help us speard a lot of Christmas Cheer this holiday season?
1) Stop by one of our area red Christmas kettles to drop in a coin and thank our dedicated volunteer bell ringers... they are all volunteers. Maybe you would like to volunteer or have a group that would like to ring the bell.
2) When you are shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall for thet perfect gift, take a moment to adopt one of the many Angels from the Angel Tree. Maybe your company would like to adopt a group of Angels?
3)
Maybe filling giant red Christmas stockings with small trinkets is where your heart lies. You can fill them one at a time for a few dollars or you can fill a group with friends, co-workers, your church group or your family.
To learn more about our Seasonal Assistance programs and learn how to get involved, please visit the Seasonal Programs and For Volunteers sections of the website. There is much, much more to get involved in.
Please help us to Keep The Bell Ringing!!
God Bless you,
Major Alvin Smith
Commanding Officer
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About the Salvation Army
One of the largest charitable and social service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been helping those in need since 1865. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underpriviledged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services to assist those in need. Locally, The Salvation Army has been serving the people of Wake County since 1887. Its Wake County headquarters is located at 215 South Person Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Visit us on-line at www.KeepTheBellRinging.org to learn more or to make a donation.
