PRESS RELEASE
Mpls Firefighters Holding Food Drive Competition Amid Salvation Army’s Blazing Need for Resources
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – February 26, 2010 –Nineteen fire stations. Four hundred firefighters. One mission: Extinguish hunger.
Minneapolis firefighters will be holding a friendly food drive competition throughout March to see which of the Minneapolis Fire Department’s four districts can raise the most food for The Salvation Army.
Their effort comes at a time when use of the Twin Cities Salvation Army’s food shelves has risen more than 100 percent, going from 30,000 people served in 2008 to 67,000 people in 2009.
“This food drive is an opportunity for our firefighters to respond to a public need without a 911 call, red lights and sirens,” said Minneapolis Fire Chief Alex Jackson.
Please support the firefighters and The Salvation Army by donating non-perishable food items at any of the Minneapolis Fire Department’s 19 fire stations March 1–31. Donations will be accepted seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. For a list of Minneapolis fire station locations, please visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/fire/Fire_Station_Locations2.pdf.
“The Salvation Army appreciates this unexpected and generous effort by Minneapolis firefighters,” said Major Darryl Leedom, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “Through their help and the charitable spirit of the Twin Cities community, we will feed countless families during these hard economic times.”
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,000 hot meals and shelters 850 people. More than 14,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide a multitude of services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
