How would you like your money TRIPLED?

Of all the days you can give to the Twin Cities Salvation Army, the two most important are this Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 23.

For two days only, all donations made to the Twin Cites Salvation Army will be triple matched.

This unprecedented match has been made possible by three anonymous donors who pooled together $1.25 million in matching funds. It is the largest matching gift in Twin Cities Salvation Army history.

In addition to the $1.25 million challenge, local sponsors will quadruple-match donations made Dec. 22-23 at four kettle sites across the Twin Cities metro area. Check out a list of these kettle sites.

To triple your donation, do any of the following this Tuesday or Wednesday:
●Donate online.
●Mail a check postmarked Dec. 22-23, 2009 to:
The Salvation Army
2445 Prior Avenue North
Roseville, MN 55113
In the memo write “Twin Cities Match.”
●Donate at any of 400 metro area kettle sites.
●Call 800-SAL-ARMY. Designate your credit card gift "Twin Cities Match.”
●Donate stock or IRA funds. Call 651-746-3505.
●Watch Fox 9 News broadcasts for our phone-a-thon at 5, 9 and 10 p.m.

“The success of our Christmas Campaign rests squarely on the amount of public donations we receive these two days,” Leedom said. “Please give what you can.”

Help-Portrait Day 2009

For the last month or so, I had been noticing a theme in the Tweets, Facebook updates, e-mails, and blogs from some friends in the Minneapolis photography scene, all centered on a movement called “Help Portrait.” Admittedly, I ignored most of it, as I have no photography skills myself.

But then “Help Portrait Day” came and went, and I began to see the pictures from it—“Wait a minute,” I thought, “are those pictures taken at Harbor Light?” Sure enough, the Minneapolis Help Portrait Community, led by photographer Jessica Barker, had chosen The Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter as the photo shoot location.

I was immediately interested. What is Help Portrait? I googled it and quickly discovered that the goal of this worldwide movement is simple: It’s “a shift in thinking…a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment, and expertise to give back to those less fortunate.” Instructions? 1. Find someone in need. 2. Take their portrait. 3. Print their portrait. 4. Deliver their portrait.

What a unique way to be a blessing to someone in need. This was a real opportunity for people at Harbor Light to re-establish that sense of worth that can so often be lost when it feels like you’ve hit rock-bottom. Photographer Melissa Oholendt said of the experience, “As I spent time getting to know some of the people at Harbor Light, the common theme in the conversations wasn’t hardship or sadness—it was hope.” Offering hope and healing is what The Salvation Army has been striving to do since 1865, and we’re so thankful to the Minneapolis Help Portrait Community for partnering with us in this extraordinary way.

Check out the Help Portrait site to learn more about this worldwide movement, and to see pictures and read stories from Help Portrait Day.

It’s that time of year again?!

‘Tis the Season! Salvation Army Toy Shop starts Dec. 17, at which time thousands of Twin Cities families will begin receiving toys and grocery gift cards at National Guard Armories in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Last year I participated in my first Toy Shop. There was a bad snowstorm on my first day, which made me a little grumpy. But when I walked into the Minneapolis Armory for my shift, my attitude quickly changed because there was electricity in the air. Everyone was super cheery and happy to be helping.

Parents were shopping for their children with volunteers who were dressed up as elves or Santa. There were Salvation Army officers walking around greeting families and taking prayer requests. I felt proud to be an employee of an organization that truly does “The Most Good.” I still cannot find words to explain the feeling of giving toys to so many families.

This year the need has increased to 14,400 families needing toys for their children for Christmas. I am excited to be a part of an organization that helps make Christmas better for those in need. A big thank you to all of the companies and individuals who have donated their time and energy to this effort, it is very much appreciated!

Merry Christmas,
Krystle