More than two years into the pandemic, the American public still prioritizes the needs of their neighbors, highlighted by the fact that 2021 holiday cash donations to The Salvation Army were the 2nd highest in the organization's history.

The Salvation Army, the country’s largest non-governmental provider of social services, reports that the public generously donated approximately $520 million from October to December of last year to support their mission to meet human need in Christ’s name, without discrimination. The critical support will allow The Salvation Army to provide food, shelter, and other essential social services to more than 30 million Americans.

In recent years, the increased number of giving methods have paired with a more continuous awareness effort to ensure people can donate or volunteer not just at Christmas, but anytime during the year. The Salvation Army recently launched a new message to encourage Americans to “Love Beyond” the holidays and give donations year-round.

Need knows no season, nor does generosity,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder. “We operate more than 7,000 centers, 365 days a year in local communities, and we want people to know they can support their neighbors whenever is most convenient for them.”