69th Annual National Salvation Army Commemorated May 15-21

Since 1954 special week has celebrated the history and good work done by nation's largest non-governmental social service provider

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 12, 2023) – Communities across the United States will be celebrating the 69th Annual National Salvation Army Week May 15-21, 2023 in a wide variety of ways. In Indiana, these festivities include official declarations, open houses, storytelling, fundraisers, and food drives. 

Here are just a few of the special plans in place at Salvation Army corps community centers across Indiana:

• The Salvation Army Fort Wayne: Hosting a food drive May 15-21. Non-perishables and hygiene items can be dropped off Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to support year-round pantry assistance to the community.
• The Salvation Army Lafayette: Holding an open house Noon to 3:00 p.m. on May 17 with food, drinks, networking, and tours of the building and programs offered to the community.  RSVP for this free event HERE.
• The Salvation Army Michigan City: After an official declaration by the mayor, they will be highlighting programs, volunteers, and board members throughout the week and celebrating The Salvation Army's rich history in northern Indiana.
• The Salvation Army New Albany: The inaugural Fresh Start Festival will take place on May 20 from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. It will include food vendors offering great breakfast options and is raising funds to support the Pathway of Hope program. Tickets are still available at HERE.

The first National Salvation Army Week was declared in 1954 by the United States Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It recognizes the humanitarian work that The Salvation Army does worldwide and was created to bring awareness to an organization helping millions of American every year. President Eisenhower declared, "Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood... Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all."

In 2022, The Salvation Army Indiana Division provided more than 2.2 million meals to hungry Hoosiers, almost 120,000 safe nights of shelter, and basic social services to over 178,000 individuals across Indiana. With a presence in every county in Indiana, there is much to celebrate during National Salvation Army Week. Find your local Salvation Army learn more about their plans for National Salvation Army Week by visiting SalvationArmyIndiana.org