White House and Congressional Leaders Honor National Salvation Army Week 2026
A Presidential Greeting, Congressional Record Statements, and a House Resolution Highlight The Salvation Army’s Impact in Communities Across the Country
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 14, 2026) — The Salvation Army is being recognized this week by leaders at the highest levels of government as part of National Salvation Army Week, observed May 11-17, 2026.
First proclaimed by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, National Salvation Army Week honors the organization’s long-standing commitment to meeting human needs and recognizes the volunteers, donors, officers, employees, and partners who help serve communities across the country every day.
This year, National Salvation Army Week was commemorated through a series of bipartisan congressional and executive acknowledgments. In Congress, Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Katie Britt, R-Ala., each submitted statements to the Congressional Record in honor of National Salvation Army Week. Reps. Don Davis, D-N.C., and Vince Fong, R-Calif., also introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the week and celebrating The Salvation Army’s legacy of service in communities across the United States.
“The Salvation Army has always been rooted in the simple but powerful idea of loving your neighbor through action,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. “National Salvation Army Week is an opportunity to recognize the millions of volunteers, donors, officers, employees, and supporters who make that mission possible every day. Their compassion and commitment continue to bring hope to people in moments of hardship and remind us all of the importance of serving others.”
National Salvation Army Week also serves as a broader call to volunteerism and community engagement. Throughout the week, Salvation Army locations nationwide will host volunteer projects, appreciation events, and community initiatives recognizing those who dedicate their time and resources to helping others.
The week will culminate with Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, May 16, encouraging Americans to support those in their communities through acts of kindness, volunteer service, and charitable giving. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States, Good Neighbor Day also serves as a reminder that compassion, civic responsibility, and neighbors helping neighbors have long been part of the American spirit and remain essential to building strong communities for future generations.
To learn more about National Salvation Army Week, volunteer opportunities, or how to support The Salvation Army in your local community, visit The Salvation Army USA.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, disaster relief, rehabilitation, youth services, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country.