One of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865, helping those in need without discrimination. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services to assist those in need.
Donations to the Red Kettle stay local and are used to help people in the community in which the donor resides. With generous donations from the public last year, The Salvation Army serves tens of millions of Americans - one in eight - with food, shelter, financial aid, disaster relief and other basic social services. We also serve the community by providing case administration for misdemeanor probation clients and by providing court-ordered residential corrections programs for drug rehabilitation and probation restitution.
The Salvation Army makes the most effective use of donated dollars, putting the vast majority - nearly 90 percent - of every donation into programs that change lives. Among all non-profits, this is one of the highest percentages of donated dollars spent on service. Since 1865, Americans have entrusted The Salvation Army with their donations and their faith in The Salvation Army's services that help people in need 365 days of the year. We are extremely grateful for this generous support, and The Salvation Army is compassionately committed to continuing to serve all who come to us with need.
The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.