Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Salvation Army do?
It is hard to list everything that The Salvation Army does since it provides many different services from feeding starving children and families, through recovery from natural disasters, and more. They battle against poverty, addiction and homelessness. We are a kind face to comfort the sick and elderly, a wise spirit to support the education of all ages, and a giving heart to address need wherever it occurs. For more information about specific activities and programs offered, please see the Services portion of our web site.
Is The Salvation Army really an army?
The Salvation Army is not a physical army, but rather a global army of people moved to humanitarian action through faith.
Do you have to join The Salvation Army church before The Army will help you?
No. We respect those who come to us in need, whatever their beliefs may be. We try to establish an environment in which spiritual choice is possible.
Why should I contribute to The Salvation Army?
There are several answers to this question. First, The Salvation Army has demonstrated its ability to effectively identify and efficiently meet urgent human needs in communities throughout the world for over 120 years. When you give to us, you know that your money is going to those who need it most. Second, the people we serve have multiple needs. The wide range of our programs means that we can deal with the whole person under the umbrella of a single agency. Third, our staff combines the expertise of professional training with the experience of working on a wide variety of social problems and emergency relief situations.
I can't make a financial contribution right now. How else can I help?
There are many ways to give to The Salvation Army and to those in need in our community. Donated items such as gifts for an "angel" through our Angel Tree program, or even a warm coat to Coat for Kids can make a big difference. You can also simply give time by volunteering to help at our Center of Hope or Boys & Girls Clubs.
How much money goes to administration?
The Salvation Army makes every effort to ensure the maximum possible amount from donations reaches those in need. Approximately 83 cents of every dollar we collect goes in direct assistance to the homeless women and children, victims of domestic violence, seniors, the mentally ill, the addicted, and others under our care.
My business has an interest in helping specific causes. How can I ensure that our contribution will go to these causes?
Donations that are specified or designated for a certain program or region are used to support the program and/or region directly. If you wish to specify your gift, this should be clearly noted when you make your donation. Our online donations page, for example, gives you a special box to specify such information.
Is The Salvation Army only in the United States of America?
No. The Salvation Army actually began in London, England, before expanding to the United States. The Salvation Army currently has offices and services in over 117 countries and territories and shares the gospel and love of the Lord in over 175 languages.
Why should I help people on the street when they won't help themselves?
In these tough times, we all know of people who have suffered losses through no fault of their own. When such an event happens, The Salvation Army is there to help. If social issues are left unattended, they affect society. Drug problems, for example, often lead to crime. Giving to The Salvation Army is an investment in prevention. Through our programs, people are taught to behave responsibly and to assume control of their own lives.