Contact: Barry Frost. Director of Communications and Public Relations 714.832.7100 ext.236

THE SALVATION ARMY STRIVES TO MEET THE INCREASING RESOURCE CHALLENGES OF THANKSGIVING SEASON

Orange County, CA – The Salvation Army’s comforting presence is on the front lines everywhere this Thanksgiving season – preparing Thanksgiving baskets, feeding the hungry and reaching out in compassion and love to everyone faced with difficult challenges and an uncertain future.

But more local resources are urgently needed this year. Says Major Lee Lescano, Orange County Coordinator, “This is a time for giving thanks, and we are genuinely grateful for the donations already received. But this year our need is more urgent than ever. Concern about the nation’s economy, unemployment rates and ongoing stock market volatility have taken huge sums away from charity, closing the doors of many social service organizations and affecting increasing numbers of people.”

Lescano says, “We are now and always have been on the front lines. People see us as a refuge during periods of uncertainty because we are over a hundred years old and have a wealth of experience in helping people through hard times. Naturally we want to live up to their expectations and we don’t want to turn anyone away.”

Lescano reminds the public that misfortune can strike at any time. Recent reports declare homelessness is growing as more workers, living from paycheck to paycheck, are laid off and end up in shelters or on the streets.