Caring Causes - Salvation Army Week

We're in the middle of National Salvation Army Week, an annual observance that has recognized and celebrated supporters of The Salvation Army for more than 70 years.

“National Salvation Army Week is about recognizing the people who make our mission possible,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “Our volunteers and donors are the driving force behind every meal served, every family sheltered, and every life changed.”

National Salvation Army Week was established in 1954 when the United States Congress declared it and President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed it, reminding Americans of the ongoing need to care for others. At that time, Eisenhower noted, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”

Observed this year from May 11–17, the week serves as an opportunity to thank the volunteers and donors who have helped make The Salvation Army one of the largest and most trusted social service organizations in the world.

While many recognize The Salvation Army for its Red Kettles and bell ringers during the holiday season, fewer are aware of its year-round impact. With 85 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota and nearly 7,000 centers nationwide, The Salvation Army serves more than 27 million people each year through programs that provide food, financial assistance, addiction recovery, youth programming, emergency shelter, long-term housing, disaster relief, and more.

“Need doesn’t take a season, and neither does our work,” said Captain Josh Polanco, Twin Cities commander. “Behind every statistic is a neighbor—a family facing tough choices, a child who needs stability, or someone looking for a fresh start. That’s why we show up every day.”

This year’s observance carries added urgency as demand for services continues to rise due to increasing costs for food, gas, rent, and utilities. In the past year alone, nearly 20,000 volunteers across Minnesota and North Dakota—along with generous donors—helped The Salvation Army serve more than 387,000 people with essential support including food, shelter, youth services, and disaster response.

“We’re seeing more people reach out for help, often for the first time,” Polsley said. “That makes the commitment of our supporters more important than ever—and it’s also an invitation for others to get involved and make a difference.”

For more information about The Salvation Army or to volunteer, visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.

The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 387,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, continued struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.

By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 85 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.