14 Days and $140,000 to Raise - The Westmoreland County Salvation Army Red Shield Campaign Rushes to Meet Goal

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Apr 26, 2010, 07:15 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., April 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army is under the gun. With a goal of $175,000 and only 14 days left, the Westmoreland County Red Shield Campaign is in serious need. For more than 100 years, The Salvation Army in Westmoreland County has been a shining light to those who desperately need its services. With dignity and respect, The Salvation Army delivers top-notch assistance by responding to emergencies and helping people gain a sense of self-sufficiency in their lives. Now the human service agency is facing a crisis of its own.

"So far, we have raised $35,000. We have a long way to go in a short period of time and thousands of families are depending on us," said Major Mark Mackneer, The Salvation Army's Westmoreland County Coordinator. "The Salvation Army is committed to the residents of Westmoreland County and is dedicated to offering quality life-changing services. But, we need the support and help of the community to ensure the future and continuity of these programs."

As a result of the recent economic downturn and consecutive cuts in funding from the United Way, The Salvation Army in Westmoreland County has implemented an independent fundraising campaign. The Red Shield Campaign is designed to maintain and expand current programming that ultimately benefits the needs of Westmoreland County's low-income youth, families, individuals and seniors. For the second consecutive year, the fundraising effort is chaired by Susan Nelson, Senior Vice President, First Commonwealth Bank.

"Under Sue's guidance and counsel, we are soliciting businesses, individuals and organizations for their support through a variety of methods," explained Mackneer. "If everyone chipped in just a small amount, we could easily reach our goal." Westmoreland County operates five Salvation Army Worship and Service Centers, four Service Centers and eleven Service Units. This structure allows The Salvation Army to cover every zip code while eliminating the expense and inefficiency of the duplication of valuable services. Holistic service is the focus through meeting physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual needs of local families and individuals.

To support The Westmoreland County Salvation Army Red Shield Campaign, donors may give by check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to The Salvation Army Red Shield Campaign and sent to The Salvation Army of Westmoreland County, Red Shield Campaign, PO Box 945, Greensburg, PA 15601. Credit card contributions can be made by calling 724-216-8033. All donations will remain in Westmoreland County. For more information on the Red Shield Campaign, call 724-216-8033.

United Way Contributor Choice contributions may also be directed to the following areas via a special corresponding code number, including Salvation Army Worship and Service Centers in: Greensburg, #4719; Jeannette, #457; Latrobe, #443; New Kensington, #269; and Kiski Valley, #395. To donate to all Westmoreland Service Units, indicate #8213 on the United Way campaign form. To support the Connellsville Service Unit, write in #1949.

SOURCE The Salvation Army