While local residents might forget about the Salvation Army now that Christmas has past, Victoriaòòò½ÊÓƵ™s local corps works tirelessly year-round to give back to the city through social service programs.
Commanding Officer Kenny Jones said 83% of the money the organization raises through its Red Kettle Campaign is filtered back into the community.
This yearòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Red Kettle campaign fell about $25,000 short of the organizationòòò½ÊÓƵ™s goal of $70,000. In 2023, community members helped the campaign raise $60,000. This year, the Salvation Army primarily raised funds through donations from the community and not sponsorships.
Despite the decline in donations, Victoriaòòò½ÊÓƵ™s corps isnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t slowing down, implementing new programs and services to reach more and more people.
During the season of giving, the Salvation Army in Victoria served and delivered over 700 meals on Thanksgiving Day to local families and residents. At least 300 of those meals were served with a smile on Thanksgiving Day, complete with turkey and stuffing.
The organizationòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Teen Santa program gave away over $13,000 to 107 students, allowing each teenager to shop at Walmart with $125 gift cards. One of the Salvation Armyòòò½ÊÓƵ™s most notable holiday charity highlights is the Angel Tree, which gives gifts to local children in need.
This past year, the organization helped provide almost 300 families with toys for Victoriaòòò½ÊÓƵ™s youngest residents. But 45 of those children were left behind on the Angel Tree. To make up the difference and keep the magic of Christmas alive, the Salvation Army spent $4,000 to buy extra gifts for those not picked off the tree.
On the other end of the spectrum, 500 gifts were distributed throughout local senior living facilities in Victoria. While this holiday season, the Salvation Army went above and beyond, serving more families in need than they did in previous years. Jones and his team are looking to double their efforts in 2025.
The money the Salvation Army raises through the holiday season rarely sees the light of a new year as the organization uses the funds to implement new programs to further community outreach. Jones said the issues they see at the Salvation Army exist year-round, not only during the holidays.
Day in and day out, the organizationòòò½ÊÓƵ™s newest facility, the Life Enrichment Center, has provided a vital service to vulnerable residents from the usage of washing machines, computers, a library and showers. In December, 589 people charged their phones or utilized the public library at the Life Enrichment Center.
A total of 87 people took a shower and 50 people were able to do their laundry. What might come as a bare necessity to most, has become a luxury to those less fortunate. The Salvation Army is looking to change that with the Life Enrichment Center at 1302 N. Louis St.
To make a donation to the Salvation Army, please visit .
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