Salvation Army launches Rescue Christmas initiative

With over 50 retail locations participating this holiday season, The Salvation Army of Broward County recently launched its Rescue Christmas giving initiative.

Hoping to provide extra holiday spirit in a year consumed by COVID-19, the nonprofit organization is encouraging benefactors to visit socially distanced Red Kettles throughout Broward County as well as provide donations through its virtual Angel Tree registry.

Distributing over 8,000 toys and accumulating over $200,000 in donations last year, both programs helped The Salvation Army’s efforts to help those less fortunate.

As more families suffer through furloughs and layoffs due to the pandemic, the number of individuals in need has significantly increased, leaving holiday gifts as an afterthought for this year.

“The economic fallout from the ongoing health crisis has led to a new population of families and individuals facing unemployment and financial hardships that are expected to last through the holidays and well into the coming year,” said Maj. Stephen Long said, area commander for The Salvation Army of Broward County.

“It’s up to us, as a community, to support and uplift those in critical need. Through faith, hope and a generosity of spirit, we can ensure our most vulnerable children and families experience joy this holiday season.”

To meet current COVID19 health regulations, the nonprofit is offering smart chips and QR codes at its physical Red Kettle retail locations, giving shoppers the option to scan their phones to make a donation. Donations may be made at give. salvationarmyusa.org/ team/323530.

In partnership with Walmart, benefactors can also shop for gifts and have them directly delivered to The Salvation Army of Broward County.

From now until Monday, Dec. 14, physical Angel Trees with detail tags can be found at the Galleria Mall (2414 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale), Westfield Broward (8000 W. Broward Blvd. in Plantation), Pembroke Lakes Mall (11401 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines) and Walmart (6001 Coral Ridge Drive in Coral Springs).

Donors can fulfill the gift requests on tags and have the gifts sent to the Angel Tree location or dropped off at The Salvation Army of Broward County headquarters for the toy shop distribution drive-thru.

Visit rescuechristmas. org.

THE SALVATION ARMY OF BROWARD COUNTY / COURTESY Luke Schofield, center, donates to The Salvation Army of Broward County with the help of Fort Lauderdale Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Jeff Lucas and Robert Schofield at last year’s Christmas on Las Olas event.