Press Release: Giving Tuesday NOW Coming May 5
The Salvation Army Encourages Hoosiers to "Share Hope" on Giving Tuesday Now
With a gift on May 5, you can help the country's largest direct service charity provide critical hope to those in need
INDIANA (May 1, 2020) – On Tuesday, May 5, The Salvation Army and Candace Cameron Bure are asking people to join the Fight for Good by providing hope and help to those impacted by the coronavirus. For millions of Americans experiencing urgent need, The Salvation Army is their first stop for help. In response to this pandemic, The Salvation Army Indiana Division has already provided over 29,000 meals and snacks and distributed more than 10,000 family food boxes to food pantries across the state.
Additionally, The Salvation Army Indiana Division has offered over 2,400 nights of safe shelter, provided emotional and spiritual support to 3,600 individuals, and delivered to households much-needed youth activity bags, hygiene kits, and Blessing Bags to ease the emotional toll of isolation. With increased demand for financial assistance and food expected to continue over the coming weeks, months, and potentially years, ongoing public support will be needed to ensure basic necessities are fulfilled with compassion and dignity.
Although this is an unprecedented time in our history, facing stark realities is not new for The Salvation Army. Throughout its 153-year ministry, it has delivered programming rooted in hope, which is a critical component to overcoming adversity. Serving more than 231,000 people across Indiana last year, the the Indiana Division helps families living in poverty battle everyday enemies – today, these enemies are exponentially magnified.
"When things get tough, and especially in times of disaster, Hoosiers know that they can come to The Salvation Army for hope and help," said Major Bob Webster, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "They need both to get through this crisis, and we're uniquely placed to offer both the emotional and spiritual care they need and the physical, tangible assistance that will see them through the crisis intact."
The Greatest Need, Now
"The greatest need right now is flexible funding to enable us to remain nimble and respond to needs as they arise," said Susan Solmon, Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "Given the unusual nature of this disaster, it is difficult to accurately anticipate all needs. Secondly, there is the need to continue to support ongoing ministries. In addition to responding to COVID-19, we are continuing to serve our ongoing people, victims of domestic violence, the addicted, and Pathway of Hope families. We're also supporting the heroes on the front lines of this pandemic: healthcare workers, emergency responders, and our public safely officers."
A $25 gift of hope will ensure Americans in need have access to 10 meals, immediately. A $25 monthly gift will help provide meals during months when food insecurity is already great. To donate, visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org/coronavirus.
A new text to give option is also available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Simply text the word HOOSIER to 24-365 to get a direct link to The Salvation Army's secure online donation platform.
The Greatest Hope, Now
If you’re unable to make a monetary donation or would like to do more on Giving Tuesday Now, The Salvation Army Indiana Division encourages us to share hope, together. The goal is to bring our nation together in sending comforting thoughts to those who are struggling, praying for those serving on the front lines, and directing messages of hope to those in need. There are three ways to get involved:
From May 1- 5, visit The Salvation Army Indiana Division on Facebook (@SalvationArmyIndiana), Twitter (@SAIndiana), or Instagram (@sa_indiana) to post a comment, or simply share your message of hope and encouragement by tagging #10MinutesOfHope.
On May 5, join the Fight for Good Ambassador – actress, executive producer and New York Times best-selling author Candace Cameron Bure – as she calls for messages of hope on her social media channels.
On May 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. CT), take 10 minutes out of your day for hope:
- Read positive stories with your family
- Share thoughts or prayers for those in need
- Watch The Salvation Army’s Facebook Live video (@SalvationArmyUSA) for spiritual guidance
If you or someone you know needs hope, call The Salvation Army's Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline for the Midwest at 1-877-220-4195, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT), or visit our locations page HERE find your local Salvation Army.
