The Salvation Army – Spreading Hope This Christmas

PEORIA While many of us associate the Christmas season with thoughts of festive gatherings with family and friends, there are many whose spirits are dulled by the harsh realities of simply making ends meet. The Salvation Army is making great strides to be a beacon of hope to those local families who desperately need a helping hand this holiday season.

Traditionally, The Salvation Army’s bell ringers help generate significant local support for programs community-wide. The Salvation Army however, faces many additional challenges as it works to meet these needs throughout the year as well as those individuals and families seeking help from the Army during the Christmas season.

“With continued uncertainty over the economy, we are thankful to our generous donors who make it possible for us to meet these ever-growing needs,” said Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army. “With help from the community, The Salvation Army will provide food, clothing and emergency assistance to those in real need in our community at Christmastime, as we’ve done for over 125 years in Peoria.”

The 2012 Tree of Lights Campaign will officially kick-off with a program at the Northwoods Mall in Peoria tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. “Although the visibility is heightened during the holidays, it is important for the community to know that The Salvation Army’s programs are ongoing throughout the year,’ said Tree of Lights Honorary Co-Chair Lynn Kunkle. “The Army is there at Christmas with a toy or a party, but also wants to be there to help get them back on their feet and moving into a productive and fulfilling life all year,” said Kunkle.

For more information about the programs and services of The Salvation Army, or to make a donation, please call (309) 655-7220. You can also find The Salvation Army online at www.saheartland.org, and on twitter at @salarmypeo.

And as always, secure donations can be made online at www.saheartland.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.