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The sound of bells
ringing is not uncommon in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
All around retail and department stores, the Salvation Army is
vigilant in accepting donations to help those in need.
Even though the holiday has gone away with 2008, the need is
still there. The Salvation Army is now stepping up another
campaign, and the remnants of your Christmas gift may be just
what the organization needs.
Gift cards have become all the more popular to give in recent
years, and often, not every cent is spent. Many people receive
these and never use the complete balance, often leaving a small
amount left on the card. The Salvation Army stated that in 2007
an estimated $100 billion was spent on gift cards and up to 10
percent of it went unused.
This is where the Salvation Army comes into play.
When a leftover card is donated, the charitable organization
then takes the remaining balance and turns it into cash in order
to help local families.
The Salvation Army says it makes no difference where the gift
cards are from or how much it has remaining as every little bit
helps.
The gift card program began last year, and according to
community relations and development director Heide Brandes the
program has been getting them left and right after an initial
slow start.
As for other charitable endeavors performed by the philanthropic
organization, the Salvation Army fell short of its goal for its
previous bell ringing campaign. The group raised $275,000 from
the many generous donors, but this mark was shy of its desired
$350,000 goal.
Brandes said that the sagging economy did take a toll on the
charitable organization, just as it has on many Americans.
Despite financial woes, it is important to remember there are
still many in need, Brandes said.
In an effort to extend a helping hand to the homes of those in
need, the Salvation Army is working with OG&E to provide heating
bill relief.
The organization had 12 kettles positioned downtown during the
New Year’s Eve celebrations in order to help this initiative,
and OG&E matched the amount of donations made.
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