Daily News

Springfield Salvation Army Announces Christmas in July Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — The Salvation Army of Greater Springfield, which has been delivering services and hope to the less fortunate in Massachusetts for more than 125 years, is reaching out to the community for financial assistance in order to maintain essential services and programs.

For the full month of July, the organization will host a Christmas in July campaign featuring counter kettles at local restaurants to raise money to benefit the Greater Springfield community and those individuals who seek Salvation Army assistance.

“We hope to raise a few thousand dollars to support our programs and services so that we may continue to serve those in need,” said Captain John Ferreira. “Last year, the Salvation Army of Greater Springfield provided for thousands of individuals and families thanks to the generosity of our community, and we hope to keep up momentum well into this year.”

In 2014, the Salvation Army of Greater Springfield provided toys for 3,500 families, meals for nearly 4,300 people, clothing and furniture vouchers to 206 families, and fuel assistance to 324 households. Additionally, the agency offers a number of key programs to area families, including afterschool programming, homework help, and nutritious meals; summer activities; and summer-camp scholarships to Camp Wonderland.

Counter kettles will be located at the following local restaurants: the Fort, 8 Fort St., Springfield; Johnny’s Tavern, 30 Boltwood Walk, Amherst; and Johnny’s Bar & Grille, 23 College St., South Hadley.

The Salvation Army of Greater Springfield has also partnered with 94.7 WMAS and Western Mass News to raise awareness of the Christmas in July campaign and the availability of the online red kettle for individuals who are interested in donating but cannot do so in person.

“We are facing an increased demand on our services and, unfortunately, tighter resources with which to address them,” said Amanda Moyer, Springfield Salvation Army board member and director of account services for Springfield-based marketing firm Market Mentors. “By supporting Christmas in July, the Greater Springfield community can help us to bridge the funding gap that occurs before the holiday season.”

For more information about the Salvation Army of Greater Springfield, visit springfield.salvationarmyma.org. Donate to the online red kettle at salvationarmyma.org/christmasjuly.