Grateful and Blessed

Greetings-

The holidays have come and gone and the hope of a new year is gaining momentum. As I prayerfully reflect on where we have been, it’s clear that 2025 was a challenging year financially for many, and folks are still struggling to find their way forward. During Christmas, more people than ever came to The Salvation Army for hope and help, and we were grateful and blessed to lighten the load of thousands with toys, food, rent and utility assistance for those who had nowhere else to turn. 

During times of struggle, people have come to rely on The Salvation Army to help make ends meet and in return, we rely on donations from the many ordinary folk who understand the need and just want to give a little to help their neighbors. Spiritually, I believe that God answers the prayers of His children, and today I’d like to share with you some good news for 2026 and how God continually provides hope for all who visit our corps.

I am pleased to report that with nearly 100-percent of Christmas pledges and donations in and counted for the Kansas and Western Missouri Divison, we have raised 10.5 million for the 2025 kettle season. We are so grateful that this number exceeds our overall 2025 Christmas fundraising goal and is up from what was rasied in 2024! 

Similarly, the story at the kettles was strong as well, with donations up year-to-year across the Division in nearly every community. Since our Kettle Kickoff event last November 13^th, The people of Kansas and Missouri heard the call over the six-week period and responded. For example, the $20 Dollar Bill Challenge in Kansas City made a big difference, raising an additional sixty-thousand in matching dollars over three Saturdays in December.

But the good news doesn’t stop there. The Kansas and Western Missouri Division has been blessed to lead The Salvation Army nationwide in digital donations for several years. This past season, people gave over 48 thousand-dollars electronically through our contactless payment devices (Tip Tap), which were located on many kettle stands across the Division. 

The Bible says “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 (NLT)  We always pray God’s blessing on our efforts. And thanks to a God who answers our prayers and the generosity of everyday citizens, we are blessed to provide hope for those who need it most. We are grateful that when times are hard, people step up and do what they can to support their neighbors.

Did you know that over 70% of The Salvation Army’s annual fundraising happens during November and December? To be clear, all money raised stays right in the community where it was collected, to fund the critical programs at each Corps Community Center, 360 Life Center and service extension branch that makes life better for struggling families. This means that The Salvation Army has more resources year-round to help with rent and utility assistance programs, food pantries and provide hope during the holidays to our neighbors. 

Thank you! The Salvation Army is sincerely grateful for your trust and support during this campaign.  

Kelly