ASHLAND, Ohio - On Thursday, November 12, the Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center held a Rescue Christmas “kick-off” event at Ashland Community Stadium. Athletes from high schools around in Ashland County competed against one another to kick a football downfield and give the Salvation Army kettle situated there its first ring of the season.
The event marked the start of an important season for our community. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early for the first time in 130 years in order to rescue Christmas. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all time high.
Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming the resources are available. In Ashland, we served 727 people last year at Christmas, which included more than 300 families. If we see the same level of increased requests for service, that will mean 2000 people and potentially 600 families who need our help this holiday season.
Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit RescueChristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit AshlandKroc.org to find a location near you.
### About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @AshlandKroc and #DoingTheMostGood.