St. Cloud Salvation Army reaches goal

With Christmas just a week away, donations to the St. Cloud Salvation Army were down more than $7,000 compared to last year. But thanks to the help of five anony-mous donors, the Salvation Army raised $173,541 in Christmas Campaign donations, well above its goal of $165,000.

The donors gave matching gifts totaling $13,000, money that was used to double community donations made to the St. Cloud Salvation Army through Jan. 04, 2010.

“We were surprised when the checks came in the mail – they couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Major Manuel Madrid, administrator of the St. Cloud Salvation Army.

“These matching gifts not only helped us top our campaign goal, they cemented our future in providing a high level of service to the St. Cloud community in the coming year.”

Throughout Christmas, the St. Cloud Salvation Army gave Christmas toys to 1,157 children, and distributed 409 food baskets to families in need. And, thanks to volunteers, the Salvation Army visited and wished a Merry Christmas to 396 seniors living in retirement homes.

“There is a great desire in our community to reach out to others and to have a positive impact,” said Bill Kimball, Advisory Board Chair of the St. Cloud Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army experienced that generous spirit this Holiday season.”

Since 1898, the Salvation Army has been providing social and spiritual services to the St. Cloud area and surrounding communities with a mission to give people purpose, hearts hope, and souls redemption. In the last eight months, The Salvation Army staff has provided emergency assistance to 3,781 families and individuals. The volunteer kitchen staff served 20,808 meals during this time.

To volunteer with the Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call (320) 252-4552. Checks made out to the Salvation Army can be sent to 400 Hwy 10 South, St Cloud MN 56304. Visit thesalarmy.com for more information or to make an online donation.