Join in on the Bandwagon and Help Warm Some Homes - Western PA Salvation Army Partners With Groupon's G-Team and Turns Up the Heat

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Jan 31, 2012, 01:00 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From January 31st through February 2nd, G-Team, the philanthropic arm of Groupon, will be helping to support Pittsburgh area needy families through a partnership with The Salvation Army. For three days only, donors can purchase a Salvation Army Groupon at http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-salvation-army-pennsylvania. Each $10.00 pledge will help fund home heating for those struggling to make ends meet.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110412/MM81995LOGO)

The magic number is forty. For The Salvation Army to receive funds, the campaign needs a minimum of forty pledges, totaling $400.00 to activate the campaign. If donors want to give more, they can purchase multiples of $10.00. If the campaign reaches the $400.00 tipping point, 100% of all pledges collected will go to The Salvation Army and Groupon pays for the credit card fees. But, if the tipping point is not reached, no money will go to The Salvation Army. No credit cards will be charged until the campaign reaches the tipping point.

"People are cold and we need to raise money," said Fran Brace, Director of Development for The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division. "We are undertaking this campaign to help needy families avoid a shut-off of home heating this winter. For every $100.00 we receive, we can help to prevent a shut-off of home-heating for a Pittsburgh-area needy family for one month."

The Salvation Army helps families and individuals pay their utility bills in order to get through emergency crises. Salvation Army caseworkers aim to identify the often multiple factors contributing to the household's emergency situation and provide other forms of assistance, referrals, budget counseling, and emotional support as necessary. This holistic approach of meeting need wherever it is found allows The Salvation Army to help in a way that reduces the likelihood of future crisis, and, in many cases, prevents homelessness.

"The Salvation Army has witnessed an increase in services to individuals and families coming to us for the first time," said Brace. "This 'New Face of Need' is characterized by those who have recently lost their job or otherwise found themselves in need for assistance due to the uncertain and unstable economy. For the first time in their lives, struggling individuals and families are turning to their local Salvation Army to meet basic needs, including assistance with home heating expenses."

By donating through the G-Team Salvation Army New Faces of Need Campaign, contributors will provide desperately needed funds to their fellow neighbors in need. The public is encouraged to share their support with a donation and also by sharing our story through Facebook, Twitter and email.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 124 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.

About G-Team: G-Team, launched in July 2010 in Chicago, features a weekly local campaign in more than 65 markets nationwide, enabling Groupon followers to do good, have fun, and make a real impact in their communities. G-Team uses collective action to gather support for worthwhile causes and produce tangible results for local organizations. To learn more about G-Team and how to become a featured organization, visit http://www.groupon.com/g-team. To subscribe to Groupon, visit http://www.groupon.com.

SOURCE The Salvation Army