For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country in order to help rescue Christmas for those suffering during this time. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19, while requests for services are at an all-time high.

Lincoln Financial Foundation, founded by Lincoln Financial Group, has awarded a $25,000 grant to The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte to support its “Power Hour” program, an initiative more vital than ever in the age of distance learning.

Elijah Kell, a 15-year-old artist from Mint Hill, turns glass into beautiful pieces of art. This year, he’s creating a special piece that will be auctioned off during The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s Online Auction, to raise support for families experiencing homelessness and to help at-risk students attend college.

​In the middle of this public health crisis, our local school districts have had to make the difficult decision to shift toward distance learning, and it has spawned important conversations regarding the impact on our local students. The pandemic has revealed the long-prevalent inequities throughout the system, including the technology divide along racial and socioeconomic lines.

Wells Fargo has announced a $50,000 contribution to support the work of The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte, particularly at the Center of Hope.

Christian McCaffrey, two-time All-Pro Carolina Panthers star running back, is expanding his previous efforts to support frontline healthcare heroes in the Carolinas impacted by COVID-19. He launched 22 Together: an initiative with teammate Shaq Thompson to unite the Charlotte community through sports programs for underserved youth.

Beginning June 15, Summer Day Camp offers affordable activities and programs for families in Mecklenburg and Union counties

Among other marketing activations, Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of North & South Carolina become presenting sponsor of Panthers Kids Club in partnership underwritten by Transportation Insight

Greater Charlotte donation part of $2 million dollar gift to Salvation Army locations in North Carolina

In addition to his previous sheet donations to the shelter, Kevin Gatlin dropped off 30 of his Slumber Bags to help families have temporary relocated to local motels to safely social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.