The Salvation Army Launches New “Give A Little, Change A Lot” Summer Community Campaign
Akron, OH (June 16, 2026) – The Salvation Army in Summit County, OH has launched its new “Give A Little, Change A Lot” summer community campaign and is encouraging residents to support their neighbors in need. Online donations made between June 1st, and July 31st will help provide essential summer assistance to local families and will be matched up to $1,000, thanks to generous supporters.
Funds raised during the campaign will help The Salvation Army continue to provide critical services, including food assistance, rent and utility assistance, cooling relief during extreme heat, and safe summer and after-school activities for local children.
The need for assistance remains significant. According to recent research, 67% of U.S. workers report living paycheck to paycheck, up from 63% last year. Every contribution helps provide stability and support for individuals and families facing financial hardship.
“Each gift sends a message of hope to those facing difficult times,” said Captain Bramwell Applin, Area Commander of The Salvation Army in Summit County, OH. “The summer months can be especially challenging for families with children, people experiencing homelessness, and vulnerable seniors. The generosity of this community helps ensure that neighbors in need receive support not only during the summer but throughout the year.”
All donations to The Salvation Army in Summit County, OH, stay local, directly supporting programs such as 30+ wrap-around services providing emergency food for families, homeless prevention and housing stability for neighbors in need, and early education and enrichment programs for youth.
“We are excited about this new summer initiative that can impact many of our critical programming efforts. We are blessed to have over 15 local businesses that will host countertop kettles at their locations to raise funds for the campaign. Each of these businesses represents a champion of hope for those most in need in our county. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar donated at these businesses and throughout the “Give A Little, Change A Lot” campaign will help feed a child, keep lights on for a family, and ensure that homeless individuals receive essential support in Summit County,” continued Applin.
Residents can support the summer community campaign in two ways. Visit a key partner business and donate to a countertop kettle at one of the local businesses below:
- Belgrade Gardens – 401 E. State St., Barberton, 44203
- Café Arnone Italian Coffee – 2840 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 44333
- Charles Schwab – 4141 Heritage Center Dr., Copley, 44321
- D-A Specialties – 589 Wolf Ledges Pkwy., Akron, 44311
- Diamond Deli – 378 S. Main St., Akron, 44311
- El Campesino Mexican Restaurant – 4360 Kent Rd., Stow, 44224
- Gavin Scott Salon & Spa – 4960 Darrow Rd., Stow, 44224
- Isaly's Restaurant – 3310 Kent Rd. #12, Stow, 44224
- January Paint & Wallpaper – 394 W. Exchange St., Akron, 44302
- Jerzee's Sports Grille – 1019 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd., Akron, 44312
- Peanut Shoppe of Akron – 203 S. Main St., Akron, 44308
- Sal's Gelato – 1821 Merriman Rd., Akron, 44313
- Stow Café – 4591 Darrow Rd., Stow, 44224
- The Jenk's 1929 – 1884 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 44221
- Vincent's Bakery – 2038 Bailey Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 44221
- Welch's Automotive – 2506 S. Arlington Rd., Akron, 44319
- Yada Yada Coffee – 1884 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 44221
Additionally, residents can visit the Give A Little, Change A Lot campaign by donating online at https://salarmy.us/SummitCounty-ChangeALot.
To learn more about The Salvation Army in Summit County, OH, or to find assistance, visit www.SalvationArmySummit.org or call 330-762-8481.