The Salvation Army and Sheetz Provide Holiday Gifts to 11,000 Kids in Need
Sheetz for the Kidz help love beyond hardships as families this season face financial difficulties
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (December 23, 2022)—The Salvation Army and Sheetz for the Kidz partner together once again to spread holiday cheer for those in need this holiday season. With almost two-thirds of Americans—more than 200 million people—living paycheck to paycheck in 2022, the partnership responded with $2.4 million in new toys, clothes, and other basic needs, making the holiday season brighter for 11,000 kids.
“As more than 90 million Americans are having difficulty paying for essential household expenses week to week,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army. “The Sheetz for the Kidz Holiday Program will help alleviate the burden parents feel around the holidays, so that parents won’t have to make the decision whether to pay bills or bless their children with Christmas gifts this season. We’re so grateful for Sheetz and their support in loving beyond this incredible need.”
The long-term effects of the pandemic have put millions of families at risk of falling below the poverty line and entering a cycle of challenges that can last for years to come. In 2021, the partnership responded with more than $1.8 million in new toys, clothes, and other basic needs around the holidays for more than 10,000 kids.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of our charity and this annual Holiday Program,” said Brittany Funcheon, Executive Director of Sheetz for the Kidz. “It’s humbling to be a part of making the holiday season brighter for so many children in our communities. The long-term success of this one-of-a-kind program has been made possible by the incredible support of The Salvation Army’s staff and volunteers.”
This holiday season, millions of families continue to struggle with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, inflation, evictions, job loss, and more. The Salvation Army is committed to providing service and love to those in need this Christmas and beyond.
The Salvation Army provides holiday assistance to more than 2.5 million people with the generous help of partners like Sheetz for the Kidz, which includes help with gifts for nearly one million children in struggling families.
Learn more about The Salvation Army’s Love Beyond campaign at www.salarmy.us/LoveBeyond.
See how The Salvation Army serves around the country throughout the year at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 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 7,000 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
About Sheetz For the Kidz®
Sheetz For the Kidz® is a non-profit organization, designated as a 501(c)(3) charity, independent of the Sheetz Corporation. The organization was created in 1992 by local store employees wanting to help local children. The mission of the charity is to provide support, hope, joy and happiness to children in need within the communities in which Sheetz operates. To date, the charity has impacted the lives of more than 160,000 children!