Salvation Army is $71,000 Short of Kettle Target

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, December 18, 2006 – In their final five days of the red kettle campaign, the local chapter of The Salvation Army is $71,000 short of their $250,000 goal.

"If we fall short of our target it means we won't be able to help as many people throughout the year," said Major Mark Woodcock, area commander for The Salvation Army. "The money raised from these kettles enables us to continue helping people break the cycle of homelessness and addiction, as well as offer other services like our utility assistance program, counseling and our food pantry."

Kettles can be found at more than 70 locations throughout the greater Memphis-area, including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Walgreens, Schnucks and Kroger stores, through Saturday, December 23. Although many last minute shoppers will be heading to the stores on Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army will not be bell-ringing on Christmas Eve because it falls on a Sunday.

"Usually we do ring on Christmas Eve," said Major Woodcock. "I want to remind shoppers that we won't be doing that this year, and encourage them to donate what they can to help us continue to serve the underprivileged in our community."

CONTACT:
Abby More
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130