The Salvation Army and the Cleveland Guardians partner to host “Christmas in July"
Cleveland, OH (July 18th, 2026) – The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland is taking over Progressive Field while The Cleveland Guardians face off against The Minnesota Twins. It will be “Christmas in July” night focused on raising awareness around the organization's youth programming initiatives. The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland is actively focused on a fundraising campaign called “Need Knows No Season” to support programs like summer day camps, overnight camps, recreation programs, and other youth-related activities throughout Cuyahoga County.
Captain Joel Ashcraft, Area Commander of The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland, stated, "We are so blessed to have this opportunity with The Cleveland Guardians. Summer represents a significant gap in youth programming throughout Cuyahoga County when school is not in session. With over 60% of East Cleveland residents living in single-parent households and rising demand for services in Collinwood, The Salvation Army is actively working to address these needs and support local youth this summer."
During the game at Progressive Field, The Salvation Army will feature:
- National Anthem Sung by: Major Annalise Francis, Administration of The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Ashland, OH
- Baseball Delivery to Pitcher’s Mound: Kamereon Timberlake and LeAndra Knight
- First Pitch Thrown: Captain Joel Ashcraft, Area Commander of The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland
- Shieldy: The Salvation Army’s Mascot will be present to take photos with other Guardians Mascots, such as Slider and the Hot Dogs.
Earlier this spring, The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland announced the launch of its Summer Day Camps to support local families during the summer months when school is not in session. The Salvation Army in East Cleveland, located at 1507 Doan Ave, entered its second year of the program with 87 children enrolled. The Salvation Army in Cleveland Temple, located in the Collinwood neighborhood at 17625 Grovewood Ave, will launch its first year of the Summer Day Camp with 25 enrolled children. The Salvation Army’s Summer Day Camp in East Cleveland will offer a variety of activities throughout its 6-week program for children in kindergarten through 8th grade, which began on June 15th. These activities include, but are not limited to, meals, field trips, recreation, drama, and dance.
“This unique program in East Cleveland offers 6 weeks of all-day activities for $50, resulting in nearly 60% more enrollments than last year. This growth highlights the critical need for summer youth activities.” Captain Ashcraft continued, "The Salvation Army will continue to fill community gaps by providing essential services."
The Salvation Army in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood is newly running Summer Day Camp, which started on June 15th, for children ages 6 to 12. Its programming, called “Kid Connect,” focuses on making new friends, having new experiences, and connecting with their communities.
“Our Summer Day Camp aims to make every child feel welcome, included, and eager to return daily," said Lieutenant Tara Brown, Commanding Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Cleveland Temple Corps Community Center.
To get information about the Summer Day Camps or other youth programs with The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland, make a donation, or receive assistance locally from The Salvation Army, call 216-861-8185.