The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland and Walmart
CLEVELAND, OH (November 16, 2020) – To help meet the unprecedented level of need this holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland are working together to make it even easier for people to help others this Christmas. Building upon a 40-year relationship of supporting people in need during the holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army are bringing hope and joy to families through the expansion of programs like Angel Tree and Red Kettles, which will be out a week early, and, for the first time ever, round-up donations upon check out to The Salvation Army.
The economic fallout of the ongoing health crisis has led to a new population of families and individuals facing unemployment and financial hardships that are expected to last through the holidays and well into the coming year. A recent study by Columbia University showed that nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since May. “Throughout Cuyahoga County, we have seen a 155 % increase in the number of people we have served since March, when COVID-19 began to hit our community," says Major, Thomas Applin, Divisional Secretary of Greater Cleveland Area Services. “The Salvation Army has been helping families for generations, especially during the holidays. This year however, with an increase in the number of folks still unemployed and struggling due to the effects of the pandemic, the need is so much greater,” continued Applin. Last year, The Salvation Army of Cleveland served 4,541 children with toys for Christmas. With that in mind, both organizations are making it easier for customers to give to those in need this Christmas. “We are grateful and excited to expand our partnership with Walmart in ways that will help us address these increased needs”, continued Applin.
In most Walmart stores across Cuyahoga County, the expanded partnership includes:
- An option for customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to The Salvation Army. Customers can do this on Walmart.com, through the Walmart app and in participating stores. The option to donate will run through December 31.
- The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles and iconic bell ringers will be at Walmart stores even earlier this year, starting on Saturday, November 21. The Salvation Army is adopting national and local mandated safety protocols for physical kettles to help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners.
- Those who prefer to help children online can visit an online gift registry at salvationarmyusa.org/walmart-angel-tree. Through the site, customers can shop for gifts for local children, which will be shipped to The Salvation Army who will provide them to families in need.
- Celebrities like DJ Khaled have taken up the #RescueChristmas Challenge, encouraging others to adopt an angel from The Salvation Army Angel Tree program in their hometown.
Visit SalvationArmyOhio.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. Every donation provides help and hope to the most vulnerable, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit SalvationArmyOhio.org to find a location near you.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.