Salvation Army Delaware holiday giving campaign seeks donors, volunteers

The Salvation Army Delaware has kicked off its holiday giving season, and as the state’s largest direct private provider of social services, its Hope Marches On campaign will be key in keeping Delaware families in their homes this upcoming holiday season. 

With the resurgence of the pandemic variants earlier this fall, and with many Delaware families facing pandemic poverty and the threat of eviction just two months before Christmas, the Salvation Army Delaware is digging in for another challenging season of need. Social services organizations like the Salvation Army of Delaware have worked tirelessly to provide help and hope since the pandemic started, but needs are increasing again this year.

“With the resurgence of the COVID-19 variants, the Salvation Army of Delaware has seen requests for assistance increase by over 155 percent since the start of the pandemic. We anticipate that to increase further this holiday season,” said Maj. Timothy Sheehan, Delaware state coordinator from the Salvation Army Delaware Command. “With the public’s generosity, the Salvation Army Delaware will continue to provide help and hope to thousands of Delaware individuals and families in need.”

With some retail stores closing from the pandemic’s economic impacts, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic where traditional red kettles are typically placed, the Salvation Army of Delaware faces an increased challenge for the holiday giving season, which impacts its capability to provide services for the most vulnerable.

“There is no doubt the need is great again this year,” said Sheehan. “We have seen unprecedented need for our basic services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we’re determined to stay on the front lines and do our part, with community support, to ensure that Hope Marches On for those who come to us for assistance. We need everyone who can do so to come alongside us to make the holidays a little brighter for those who are facing difficult times.”

Now more than ever, The Salvation Army of Delaware needs everyone’s help. The following options are available for those wishing to support their neighbors in need:

• Enlist in Love's Army with a sustaining gift of $25 per month
• Go to SalvationArmyDelaware.org and sign up to volunteer at a red kettle or distribute angel tree gifts to children in need. The Salvation Army is applying national safety protocols at all red kettles to ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners
• Donate digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo at any red kettle across the country
• Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum may be donated for the first time this year
• Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, "Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army," then specifying the amount
• Give any amount by texting "KETTLES" to 51555
• Provide new toys and clothing through The Salvation Army Angel Tree for local children of families in need. 

Every donation helps hope march on for those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. To direct support for Sussex County services, go to salarmy.us/seafordredkettle.