Davenport, IA: The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities once again met its Red Kettle Campaign goal thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Quad Cities community. A total of $740,622 was collected. That goal consisted of direct mail, red kettle donations and year-end contributions. The $725,000 fund-raising goal accounts for approximately 60 percent of the local Salvation Army's operating budget that is generated from public support.

The funds will help The Salvation Army meet the demand for services for shelter, food, clothing and other basic human needs here in the Quad Cities. "The Salvation Army's work is simply not possible without the people of this community who believe in
what we do. And I'd like to share with them the greatest joys of the season: the warm embraces, tears of joy, handshakes and 'thank yous' from the thousands of families they helped serve," said Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator.

During the 2012 Christmas season, The Salvation Army makes Christmas much brighter for thousands of families in need locally. And more than 2,000 volunteer hours were given in order to make all of the Christmas season's programs possible.

More than 7,000 toys (games, books, stuffed animals and toys of all kinds) were donated through the Angel Tree program. Through the 2012 Christmas Distribution program 2,143 children from 1,036 families had a happy Christmas morning. Food boxes were also distributed to an additional 458 households without children. Combined, The Salvation Army distributed food and gifts to 1,494 families totaling 8,623 people in need in the Quad Cities.

"The statistics mentioned are only a reflection of the many people whose lives were impacted because of YOU! We are grateful to everyone who supported this year's Christmas program, either by supporting the red kettles, purchasing gifts for families, volunteering your precious time, supporting our efforts by spreading the word and encouraging others to participate or praying for the program itself and those we have the honor of serving," said the Major.

Two special match programs contributed to the success of this year's campaign. Hiland Toyota made a large gift that was matched through the Toyota Dealer Match Program. And for the second year in a row, Von Maur matched all donations placed in the Red Kettles at the malls on December 22nd.

The Red Kettle Campaign, the oldest annual charitable fund raiser of its kind in the United States, helps raise money to support programs for the very neediest in communities nationwide providing toys for kids, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. From its humble beginnings as a fund raiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable outreach efforts in the United States.

###

The Snow Day Sets Campaign Back at least $12,000!

Quad Cities, USA: With red kettles wrapping up on Christmas Eve, the Red Kettle Campaign is still $185,000 away from making its 2012 fund raising goal.

"Weather determines the success of our campaign, and we have been very blessed with good weather," said Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities coordinator for The Salvation Army. 

"Closing kettles down on Thursday will impact the goal greatly, though. We are grateful to Von Maur for partnering with us on Saturday for a Match Day at the malls! We hope Von Maur's generosity of a match up to $10,000 will help make up for the day we missed."

Felton continued, "I cannot stress enough how this campaign sets the tone for our entire year of services. We have raised a significant amount so far and are very grateful to this community but there is still a long way to go."

The 2012 Red Kettle Campaign goal is $725,000. As of Dec. 19th, the donation total is $540,000. The Salvation Army is compelled to make another plea to the community.

There are many ways to share your blessings with others:

An online gift to: www.usc.salvationarmy.org/quadcities

Call to 1-800-SAL-ARMY for a credit card donation.

Or a check can be mailed to: The Salvation Army, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, IA 52803

###

The Salvation Army Announces FILL THE TRUCK (with Toys) Event In Partnership with Wal-Mart

Saturday, December 8th, 9am - 5pm

Quad Cities, USA: The Angel Tree toy collection is off to a very very slow start this year. More needy families have completed applications than last year, and not nearly enough toys are being donated to fill the need.

A Special Salvation Army FILL THE TRUCK Event will take place 9am to 5pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at all four area Wal-Marts.

The Salvation Army is depending on this additional event will make the donation of a toy as easy as possible for the donors.

Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator for The Salvation Army, states that "Every child in our community should wake up Christmas morning to a new toy, and at this rate there will be a lot of children who will think Santa decided they were bad!"

Last year, thousands of toys were displayed at The Salvation Army's Toy Shop on the Christmas Assistance distribution days. Parents or guardians were able to find the toys that would suit their children. The new Toy Shop style distribution has helped The Salvation Army make sure EVERY child receives a toy. For more information on how to give a gift, please find the Angel Tree at an area Wal-Marts or either of the Malls. If you are interested in becoming a Toy Shop Escort, please go to www.ringbells.org for easy sign-up.

Any way you can get help or get involved will make your own Christmas even brighter.

###

MACERICH MALLS ANGEL TREES VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

Quad Cities, USA - Volunteers to operate the Angel Tree tables are desperately needed. Shifts are available, and sign up is easy on www.ringbells.org. The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program is once again helping area families by collecting toys for children this holiday season. This annual holiday program provides new toys for approximately 3,000 children whose families are having a
hard time adding Christmas gifts to their budget.

On Black Friday, November 25, Macerich Malls will again partner with The Salvation Army to collect new, unwrapped toys inside the malls at the "Angel Trees." Hours will be 10am - 8pm Monday through Saturday, and 12pm - 5pm on Sunday.

Paper angel tags listing the age, gender and toy ideas are available at these locations: Younkers Court in SouthPark Mall, Moline, and JCPenney Court in NorthPark Mall, Davenport.

Holly Nomura, Development Director for the Quad Cities, states, "The Salvation Army offers so many ways to feel connected during the holiday season, this may be the right opportunity for people who would rather be indoors."

More about the QUAD CITIES Angel Trees

• Over 3,000 children will be served again this year because of our community's generosity.

• Gifts for 11-and 12-year-olds are especially needed.

• When a child of poverty receives a toy Christmas morning, the parents regain hope and the child has a happy memory to build on.

###