Food, Gifts, Toys and A Caring Hand were Extended to Those Most in Need
Cincinnati, OH (January 29, 2015) – The Salvation Army in Greater Cincinnati today announced it served 22,164 individuals through its Christmas Assistance programs in 2014. The programs included Adopt-a-Family, Toy Shop, Gift/Food Baskets, a new program to assist the Homeless, and the Community Care Ministry. Through these Christmas-focused programs, an estimated $545,363 worth of gifts, food and toys was distributed. The individuals served included those of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
“We’re deeply grateful to all our donors and volunteers who made it possible for us to serve so many this Christmas,” stated Major Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander at The Salvation Army. “There is a great need in our own community, but through the generous support of so many, we were able to address that need in a big way.”
The Adopt-a-Family program pairs families and seniors in need with generous sponsors willing to ‘adopt’ them for Christmas. Sponsors include individuals, families, church and civic groups, and employees from area companies. They shop for, wrap and drop off presents for the recipients based on a needs list provided to them. In 2014, nearly 1,400 individuals were served through the Adopt-a-Family program, through the generosity of 216 sponsors.
The Toy Shop program provides toys, books, dolls, stuffed bears and Kroger gift cards to families in need of Christmas assistance. Toys are provided through a partnership with the Marine Reserves’ Toys for Tots program, as well as toys purchased by The Salvation Army from donor contributions. Books, stuffed bears, dolls, handmade doll outfits, and quilts are provided by The Salvation Army Toy Shop Auxiliary, which has worked diligently for more than 55 years to make Christmas brighter for area families. In 2014, nearly 8,600 individuals were served through Toy Shop, including more than 5,300 children up to age 13.
Gift Baskets, with food items and toys, were provided to local families through the six (6) Salvation Army Community Centers (Corps) throughout the city. This program helps to ensure that families not reached by either the Adopt-a-Family or Toy Shop program are able to have a more joyous Christmas. In 2014, nearly 600 gift baskets were distributed, touching the lives of nearly 2,500 individuals. As well, toys were distributed to more than 2,700 children.
Through the Community Care Ministry, those confined to nursing homes and hospitals are visited by Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers, and presented with a gift to lighten their spirits. During these visits a Salvation Army blanket was distributed to 3,500 individuals.
For the fifth straight year, those served by The Salvation Army benefitted from a partnership with Bob Evans Restaurants. Through the program, diners and employees at Bob Evans donated funds to help provide “Farm Feast” dinners to local families. In 2014, the program provided 256 Farm Feast dinners, serving 1,792 individuals. Similarly, Crossroads Church partnered with The Salvation Army to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need. In 2014, 360 Thanksgiving meals were distributed, serving an estimated 1,800 individuals locally.
New this year, The Salvation Army Family Service Bureau implemented a program to connect with homeless individuals. In the inaugural effort at two area locations, nearly 150 individuals were provided with a winter care kit, which included a blanket, gloves and other necessities, as well as a lunch with beverage.
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