Noting That ‘Need Knows No Season,’ Local Salvation Army Launches Christmas in July
Citing a constant need for support of families and individuals in need, the Des Moines Salvation Army will conduct its third annual “Christmas in July” campaign to raise funds and public awareness for the community’s pressing social demands.
The Salvation Army’s familiar red donation buckets and volunteer bell ringers will be posted at a number of locations around the metro area from July 18-23 as the non-profit organization strives to achieve a goal of $50,000.
“Salvation Army bell ringers are a familiar sight during the Christmas holiday season but need knows no season. ‘Christmas in July’ is a week where the bells and buckets make a summertime appearance for the very important purpose of raising the much-needed funds to help continue the goodwill and practical help the Salvation Army provides,” said Major Keith Petrie. “‘Christmas in July’ is important not only in terms of raising additional funds to meet those needs. It also serves as an important reminder to all of us that many individuals and families face year-round needs – and our thoughts and actions should reflect those concerns.”
Salvation Army Board member Matt Marckmann said, “For the past 125 years, the Salvation Army has been helping the neediest in communities around the globe. The people of Des Moines have always responded to their neighbors in need and we’re urging them to come through once again to provide the array of services that can only result from an outpouring of public generosity.”
Petrie noted that the first event of the Christmas in July campaign is a kick-off outdoor lunch at Premier Credit Union, 800 Ninth St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, July 14. The lunch is open to all; a $5 donation to Salvation Army is requested. Premier Credit Union and KCCI-TV are sponsors of the Christmas in July campaign.
The Concept Works, a West Des Moines public and government relations firm, is coordinating the campaign’s media and fund-raising activities.
