Put a Nickel in the Drum

Perhaps one of the best charities, especially at Christmas, is The Salvation Army. From youth camps to elderly services, this group of dedicated volunteers helped 35 million people in 2006. According to Major Roger Duperee, over 2,600 Lehigh Valley families have asked the Army for help this Christmas. That's 18% more than last year. So far, it has only half the toys and gifts it needs for needy children this Christmas.

How can we help?

There's always the "put a nickel in the drum" approach. The Red Kettle Christmas campaign provides food, toys and clothing to over 6 million people during the Christmas season. As of December 7, the Salvation Army was at about 40% of its needed target of $350,000 here in the Lehigh Valley.

You can also donate toys to the Lehigh Valley Toys for Tots. Over four pages of local drop off locations all over the area are listed here. For teens between 13 and 16, there is a great need for gift cards.

You can also donate directly to the Salavation Army at the following locations:

Allentown: 144 North 8th Street, Phone (610) 432-0129.

Bethlehem: 521 Pembroke Rd, Phone (610) 867-4681.

Salvation Army Toy Castle: Westgate Mall Phone (610) 653-6395

Easton: 1110 Northampton St, Phone (610) 258-9531.

Pen Argyl: 301 W Main St, Phone (610) 863-6677.

Update: Both QCD and Michael Molovinsky have stories about this, too.

Bethlehem's Salvation Army Needs to Beef Up Food Bank

Bethlehem's Salvation Army (921 Pembroke Road) has asked me to publish this news release.

BETHLEHEM, PA (Immediate Release) – The Bethlehem Salvation Army food pantry serves
an average of 60 families each month.

Recently, the cache of donations coming into the nonprofit has been primarily snack foods, according to Captain Alison Joy Labbe. She is appealing to the public, groups and businesses to help beef up the pantry with donations of nutritious non-perishables including canned meats, beans, soups, vegetables and fruits plus stables such as rice and pasta.

“People need complete nutritious meals,” says Labbe. She adds, "Our main concern right now is being able to provide Easter dinner to those who are in need." Organizations such as the Salvation Army need to help provide the needy with nutritious meals on a daily basis. The demand will continue to increase through the spring and summer. With the downturn of the economy, the need for wholesome food donations may climb higher.

“The Salvation Army receives food donations from an area food bank, but it hasn’t been enough in recent months,” says Captain Labbe. The Salvation Army is appealing to school and scout groups, volunteer groups, clubs, grocery stores and other food pantries in the area, to help with the shortage.

For information on how to donate non-perishable foods to the Salvation Army, call the Bethlehem Salvation Army at (610) 867-4681, or a Salvation Army office nearest you.