The Salvation Army of Lynchburg in Critical Need of Volunteer Bell Ringers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Tammy Shank
Director of Development
2211 Park Ave, Lynchburg, VA
434-845-5939
tammy.shank@uss.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army of Greater Lynchburg has a critical need for volunteer bell ringers between now and December 24. The Red Kettle Campaign comprises approximately 20 percent of the overall budget needed to operate the shelter, community feeding program and social services. "Close to 70 percent of the budget needed to meet the needs of the homeless and hungry in our community come in during the holiday season," stated Capt. Trey Jones. "If we don't have volunteers to ring at a location, then we miss an opportunity to raise funds that are essential to delivering programs to those in need year-round."
Currently, the Lynchburg Salvation Army needs to fill 1,200 volunteer hours between now and Dec. 24. In addition to having fewer volunteers this year to ring, The Salvation Army is also experiencing a shorter fund-raising season. "We have agreements at several stores to start ringing the day after Thanksgiving," stated Capt. Jones. "Because of where Thanksgiving fell this year, we have five fewer days to ring than we did last year, which makes it critical that each location is covered by a volunteer through Christmas Eve."
Funds raised from the Red Kettle Campaign and through general donations in 2018 provided more than 12,000 nights of shelter to the homeless, more than 31,000 meals for the hungry and helped more than 3,000 individuals with emergency utilities and rent needs. "If you can spare a couple of hours this season to help, you will bring a blessing to those less fortunate throughout the coming year," stated Capt. Jones.
The Salvation Army of Greater Lynchburg has designated 434-944-0220 as a direct line exclusively for those to call who are interested in volunteering to ring the bell. You can also sign up at SalvationArmyLynchburg.org. The Salvation Army of Greater Lynchburg serves the Bedford, Campbell, Nelson, Appomattox, Amherst and Lynchburg City communities.
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About The Salvation Army
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 130 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.