Salvation Army, National Capital Area

Serves the poor by providing emergency assistance (rent, clothes, utilities, food, etc.) and youth development programs.

How do you help people in my community?

The Salvation Army is currently engaged in ten emergency disaster efforts in response to various major incidents. These include recovery efforts following the: flooding in Chicagoland, tornado in Detroit, MI, tornado in North Dakota, wildfire in Western Michigan, flooding in Fort Dodge, Iowa, flooding in Wisconsin, flooding in Minnesota, flooding in Ohio, earthquake in Peru, and Tropical Depression Erin. 

The 2005 hurricane season, encompassing tropical cyclones Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, spurred The Salvation Army's largest natural disaster response effort in the United States in its 126 year history. More than $394 million was donated to the Army to assist in the effort.

Following an initial response phase in which more than 1.7 million people were served, The Salvation Army continues to be active in recovery two years after the storms hit. The Army has not set an end date for its dedicated disaster services which provide for basic needs such as, food, clothing, housing and jobs.

In addition to disaster recovery, thrift stores and holiday bell ringers are most visible in the community.  Numerous contributions are made daily in the form of bed spreads and blankets, clothing, home appliances and furniture.  These donated items go towards needy families.  The holiday bell ringers can be seen outside of your local grocery stores and miniature mall complexes. 

Why do you need my support?

The Salvation Army appreciates all donations, large or small.  Of course, the more generous the donation, the further we are able to assist suffering humanity.  We receive donations, daily, from $5 to $15,000 from single donors.  That $5 may be used to purchase blankets and bedspreads for less fortunate families. The $15,000 donation may provide food and health measures for Katrina victims. 

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Our motto is “Doing the Most Good,” and our donors trust that we do just that.  The Salvation Army is a non-profit organization driven by Christian based ethics that only seeks to help those that are otherwise unable to help themselves.  To donate to the Salvation Army is to have faith and know that suffering humanity will benefit from your generosity.  Your donation most likely will not cure the homeless situation, but it may give one homeless person food and shelter.  It may not replace the lives of displaced families, but it may help them get back on the track to rebuilding.  Your donation provides something tangible as well as the intangible element of hope. This is why giving to The Salvation Army has never been and never will be a waste.        

Can I Volunteer? How?