8,400 Seek Help for the First Time - Westmoreland County Salvation Army Launches Red Shield Campaign to Serve Families

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Mar 22, 2010, 07:15 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the financial downturn drags on, The Salvation Army of Westmoreland County has struggled to continue to meet the needs of area residents. In 2009, more than 8,400 new cases have been opened, providing a host of support services to families who never dreamed that they would be on the other side of the red kettle. This is a 5,000 increase over 2008.

"The economy has had a devastating emotional and financial effect on thousands of people in Westmoreland County," said Major Mark Mackneer, The Salvation Army's Westmoreland County Coordinator. "In the past year, we have assisted nearly 22,000 individuals with services ranging from food and clothing to rent and utility assistance and everything else in between. The Salvation Army's Red Shield Campaign is critical to keeping these families afloat."

For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army's Red Shield Campaign is being chaired by Susan Nelson, Senior Vice President, First Commonwealth Bank. The 2010 goal seeks to generate $175,000. "It takes more than 2.1 million dollars for The Salvation Army to operate in Westmoreland County," explained Nelson. "In 2009, more than 140,000 instances of services were provided to area needy families. The need is dire and we desperately need the support of the community."

Westmoreland County hosts 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 on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 120 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army