Great News! Check out this Press Release:

The Salvation Army Northern Division Receives $621k for Newly Unemployed

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – March 20, 2009 – The Salvation Army Northern Division has received $621,000 to assist newly unemployed persons in the Twin Cities and 15 cities across Minnesota and North Dakota.

The money will be used exclusively for families and individuals who are in crisis as a result of unemployment occurring after Oct. 1, 2008.

The money will be dispersed to 24 Salvation Army locations as follows:
- Nine Twin Cities locations will each receive $27,000.
- North Dakota locations: Bismarck ($18,000), Grand Forks ($18,000), Minot ($27,000).
- With the exception of International Falls ($18,000), 11 Minnesota locations will each receive $27,000: Albert Lea, Brainerd Lakes, Cloquet, Duluth, Fairmont, Fergus Falls, Hibbing, Mankato, St. Cloud, Virginia, Willmar.

The money came from The Salvation Army Central Territory ($414,000) and from community donations ($207,000). In February, the Central Territory reallocated $3.45 million to be used in a grant for the 225 locations it oversees in 11 Midwestern states. Each Salvation Army location could apply for grants of $12,000 or $18,000. In order to receive the dollars, they had to raise half the amount via matching donations from their community.

“The Hibbing Salvation Army, for example, raised $9,000 in community donations. This allowed them to receive the $18,000 grant, for a total of $27,000,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Sjögren, Commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “These grant dollars have come at a critical time. They will help struggling Minnesota and North Dakota families pay for things like gas, food and utility bills.”

To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (one day late)!

I’ve never been a big celebrator of this holiday, though I do enjoy an excuse to wear green and be extra jolly. I’ll admit that green food coloring made its way into some of my dinner last night, just for the sake of festivity. I’ll also admit that it’s not as fun as it seems to eat green food. My celebration pales in comparison to the many St. Patrick’s Day parades that occurred or the Chicago River, which was customarily dyed green in honor of the holiday. (See right)

Today my dad, who has been a pastor for 30 years, sent me an e-mail sharing his own thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day and it gave me an entirely new perspective on the holiday:

“Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. Here in America it seems to be a time for parties and green beer. I’ve always thought that this is strange because when you take away all the myths about him and look at the historical record, we realize that St. Patrick was really a missionary. He was from Britain, and was captured and taken to Ireland to be a slave when he was a youth. After some years there he escaped and made his way back to Britain. But in time God spoke to him and he felt called to go and take the gospel to the very people who had enslaved him. You have to love a man like that! As I thought about Patrick yesterday I thanked God for all of those who have left comfortable homes, friends, and families to go to other lands to share the gospel.”

Wow, this is entirely new to me! So I guess instead of eating green food, a better way to celebrate would have been to strive to live a little more like St. Patrick himself. I too am thankful for all of those with The Salvation Army and other organizations who are spreading the love of God throughout the world, and hopefully next time this holiday rolls around, we’ll all remember that there’s more to it than food coloring.

A Great Idea from our Neighbors in Wisconsin

This article struck me as a creative, simple way we can all help to "Do the Most Good" by "doing nothing." But before you take that too literally, read on to find out what it really means to "do nothing," and then try it right here in the Twin Cities:

Salvation Army "doing nothing" to raise funds
By Eric Little
27 February 2009
Sheboygan Press (WI)

The Sheboygan Area Salvation Army is doing nothing to raise funds in the coming weeks, and they hope local residents join their inaction.

The aid organization is in need of funds, but instead of investing in a traditional event, the Salvation Army is seeking donations through a “non-event” called A Night Without. Residents are being asked to forego a luxury item such as a dinner out, a car wash or a manicure and donate the money they would have spent.

“The plea for money is ongoing. We need money to keep our homeless shelter open and help people who are in crisis mode,” Development Director Heidi Cain said in a statement. “The needs of our clients are growing, and this fundraiser is a way for people to give in a very personal way, by going without a luxury item, or a night out.”

The idea was inspired by 7-year-old twins Ava and Emma Cinealis, age 7, who recently asked guests to bring food pantry donations instead of presents for a birthday party, Cain said.

She said the unique fundraiser saves event costs, preserving more money for use in social service programs. Donations collected from the non-event will be used for The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter, the free clinic, and the other important programs and classes that lead people toward independence.

“This is an unique opportunity for people to support the mission of The Salvation Army,” said Jeanne Kliejunas, The Salvation Army’s business administrator, said in a statement.

The Salvation Army reports an increase of at least 20 percent in the “new poor,” people who have never sought help before but have been pushed over the financial edge by the economy. There has been an increased need for rental, food, medical, and shelter assistance.

“This is an opportunity for community members to come together,” Cain said. “It is our hope that one night doing without will help those who are struggling to provide the basics in life.”

Another Opportunity to Multiply Your Potential to Help

The Twin Cities Salvation Army is hoping to receive $162,000 from its Chicago headquarters if it can raise $81,000 from the local community. This would provide nearly a quarter of a million dollars to be used to financially support community members who are unemployed due to the economic crisis hitting the nation and forcing businesses to close or layoff workers.

By utilizing these grant dollars the local Salvation Army is leveraging community support at a two to one ratio. For every dollar the community donates to the fund, the Chicago grant will kick in two dollars. Funding allocations are expected to be announced on March 20.

Supporters can donate online at www.thesalarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks may be mailed to 2445 Prior Ave N, Roseville MN 55113. Donors should designate the funds to "Unemployment Matching Grant."

Salvation Army units throughout the state will also be applying for the funding. The Salvation Army Chicago headquarters for 11 Midwestern states has reallocated $3.45 million to be pumped directly into local Salvation Army services for families and individuals who are in crisis as a result of unemployment occurring after October 1, 2008.

“In many instances, former donors are turning to us, asking for help they always assumed was for others. This is a new population, impacted by situational poverty, who have been formerly employed and with housing,” said Colonel Carol Seiler, Coordinator for Strategic Ministry Planning for The Salvation Army in the Midwest.