By Brian Blair
Due to increased need, one of the most iconic holiday fundraising campaigns in the country is starting early this year.
The Columbus Salvation Army office is joining its organization’s national body in a “Rescue Christmas” fundraising campaign.
The concept behind such an early push and promotion — the first time for such a move in 130 years — is the larger-than-normal array of needs among the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across some parts of the Salvation Army Indiana Division, needs are expected to be 155% greater than last year, according to Samantha Hyde, director of community relations for the Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters in Indianapolis.
Locally, need at the food pantry is up 33% since spring when the pandemic hit, according to Capt. Amy Tompkins, who leads the social service agency and Christian ministry. She said the pantry currently is serving about 1,200 people per month.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
