The Salvation Army in Saratoga Springs wanted to raise $125,000 through its Red Kettle Campaign this holiday season and it succeeded. Local Director Envoy Roger Miller said three factors contributed to what he considers can improvement over 2008heavy and ongoing donor support, a devoted` group of bell ringers and mild weather for much of the campaign.
Assistance during the Christmas season jumped about 25 percent this year, according to Miller, and allowed almost 500 area children to receive gifts of clothing or toys and their families to receive food baskets.
Miller said that the Red Kettle Campaign funds roughly one-fifth of what the Spa City Salvation Army needs to provide its assistance programs and services to county residents year-round.
`We cannot begin to help those who need help the most without the year-round support from Saratoga County’s numerous caring and generous citizens,` said Miller. `[Their] compassion and benevolence make all the difference every day of the year.`
The Salvation Army offers emergency assistance and food pantry programs throughout the year. It also offers free clothing, a shower facility, a breakfast program, the Learning Center after school and summer programs, music lessons for children, adult programs, summer camp for children and teens, nursing home and hospital visitation and other community service opportunities.
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