The Salvation Army Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Ho, ho, no.
Is the Grinch the Christmas mascot at Belk this year?
When the Salvation Army launched it’s annual Red Kettle Campaign Nov. 17, they found out the welcome mat at Belk stores across the South had been withdrawn. Red Kettles are no longer allowed at Belk, entrances during the holidays.
The move will cost the Salvation Army in Anderson approximately $20,000 dollars.
“It was one of our best locations,” said Lt. Rob Dolby, Officer Commanding at The Salvation Army in Anderson. “It wasn’t Belk that was giving us any money, it was their customers. We really believe that Belk’s customers want to give. It’s disappointing.”
Dolby said the loss of funds is particularly difficult this year with the closing of the Anderson Kmart, where kettles generated more than $5,000 each holiday season.
The $25,000 loss will hit hard the Anderson Salvation Army, which has been here for 110 years.
“Belk changed their giving consciousness, which is to be very blunt, a lot of corporations are doing to avoid allowing faith-based organizations to raise funds,” Dolby said.
The ministry serves 1,500 children each Christmas in Anderson, and dozens more with the caregiver program called Silver Bells. The group also operates a emergency shelter on Tolly Street, which houses 40 people every night, and an additional 25-35 when the weather is cold. They also served more than 38,000 meals to those in need this past year., and provided emergency utility assistance to more than 1,700 this year.
The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs serves 104 children with after-school enrichment and summer camps. Dolby said that 85 percent of those who participate in the programs “get A’s on their report cards.”
He said Anderson is facing a crisis in family homelessness, and the ministry’s current two rooms for families is not enough.
“We need to add three more rooms for families, because we are seeing more and more families living in their cars,” Dolby added.
Nationwide, Belk has 300 stores in 16 states. The refusal to allow Red Kettles for the holidays will cost the Salvation Army more than $1 million this year.
To help make up for the loss, I am asking people to be generous this year by giving online,” Dolby said. Information on giving to the Anderson Salvation Army and about the services the ministry provides to the community can be found at SalvationArmyAnderson.org
Businesses interested in hosting a Red Kettle or tabletop kettle can also find information at this site.
Dolby also asked to remind citizens that the Salvation Army does not receive any government funding for their work.
He said other local businesses continue to be strong supporters of the Salvation Army in Anderson, including the Anderson Mall, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Quality Foods, Bi-Lo, Ingles and Hobby Lobby. Angle tree displays, where local citizens can find a local child or family to help during the holidays are hosted at the Anderson Area YMCA, Walmart, Chick-fil-A and a number of other sites across the area.
According to Andy Izquierdo, vice president of communications and social impact, Belk is launching a new social impact strategy in December called “Home for the Holidays” that The Salvation Army doesn’t factor into.
“We're partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a home with a family. During this holiday season, we're asking our customers to contribute what they can toward this wonderful cause,” said Izquierdo. “There is great power in all our Belk associates and customers rallying around one cause — and we really want to focus all of our efforts on this impactful campaign.”
Izquierdo stated that though Belk has never had a formal contract with The Salvation Army, there has been a longstanding tradition of allowing Salvation Army bellringers to stand outside of Belk stores.
“The Salvation Army does a lot of important work in the community, and perhaps there will be opportunities to partner with them in the future,” he said.
For now, the Salvation Army local facilities will have to find ways to do more with less. To volunteer as a Red Kettle ringer or to donate, visit the website.