Salvation Army Looks to Big Day of Giving Donors to Help Fight Pandemic Poverty
Donation site goes live today ahead of the May 6 region-wide fundraiser for area nonprofits
Sacramento, CA—The Salvation Army serving Sacramento County is asking for the community’s support for this year’s Big Day of Giving. The annual fundraiser, put on by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, happens on May 6, but early giving starts today. You can help The Salvation Army provide food, shelter, and so much more to families in need by donating at BigDaySac.org. The nonprofit’s goal is to raise $250,000 on the Big Day of Giving. Reaching this big goal is crucial for The Salvation Army to continue fighting pandemic poverty, made worse by the Coronavirus.
“Even as vaccination rates continue to increase and pandemic restrictions ease, the immediate need of families to recover is still loudly in front of us. The need is intense and striking,” said Lieutenant Larry Carmichael, Salvation Army Sacramento County Social Services Officer. “Meeting and hopefully exceeding our Big Day of Giving goal is the difference between families safely housed or on the streets. We trust our neighbors in Sacramento will give generously and assist us in achieving our goal, and that together we will fight pandemic poverty as an Army for Good.”
On this year’s Big Day of Giving, The Salvation Army is not only spreading the word about its response to the pandemic, but also sharing how its community partners have made a difference. During a series of live segments on Facebook.com/deloro and on YouTube.com/salarmydeloro, The Salvation Army will debut roundtable discussions about food, housing and job insecurity, featuring community partners like SMUD, Sacramento Unified School District, Sacramento Food Bank, and River City Food Bank.. The discussions are moderated by KFBK’s Kitty O’Neal and sponsored by iHeart Media and The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army will also honor Tri Counties Bank and Scott Robertson, SVP Chief Community Banking Officer for Tri Counties Bank and Salvation Army Sacramento Board Member, with the annual “Spirit of Caring” award. Tri Counties Bank has been an incredible supporter of The Salvation Army. In just the past several years, they’ve given more than $500,000 to aid the nonprofit with disaster response, bolster existing programs, build a new community center in Chico, and so much more. The Salvation Army will broadcast the award ceremony live on Facebook and YouTube starting at 8:00 a.m. on May 6.
“We are humbled and honored to receive this award from the Salvation Army,” said Scott Robertson, SVP Chief Community Banking Officer for Tri Counties Bank. “Our partnership with the Salvation Army has allowed us to expand our assistance in areas where the most help is needed and continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our community members.”
The Salvation Army serving Sacramento County and its partners have been responding to the increased need created by the pandemic for more than a year. When health guidelines forced many people out of work and into their homes, the nonprofit ramped up its effort to provide food, housing, rent and utility assistance, childcare and more. In 2020, the nonprofit provided the following with the help of generous donors, volunteers and our community partners.
- Total Meals & Food Boxes: 196,650
- People Served with Food: 171,692
- Nights of Shelter: 17,999 (Center of Hope)
- Individuals Helped into Permanent Housing: 473
- Rental & Utility Assistance: $2.9 million
- Workforce Development Graduates: 34
- Days of Childcare: 8,159
- Personal Protective Equipment Provided: 112,940
- Emotional Spiritual Care Provided: 32,672
- Toys Provided During Christmas: 11,775
In Sacramento County, The Salvation Army maintains eight sites: two Community Centers in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova, the E. Claire Raley Transitional Living Center, Next Step Transitional Living Center, the Center of Hope Emergency Shelter, a Family Thrift Store and Donation Center in Rancho Cordova, Family Services in North Highlands, and the Del Oro Divisional Headquarters.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit.
For more information, visit GoSalArmy.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @SalArmyDelOro and on Facebook at The Salvation Army of Northern California.