Some people think The Salvation Army takes a break after Thanksgiving and Christmas," says Sergeant McKee of The Salvation Army of Loudoun. Even without the Red Kettles at Giant, Safeway, and Walmart or the bustling activity of our Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army continues its work in assisting those in need with rental assistance, eviction prevention, utility assistance, food, clothing, case management, and so much more.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, this year's holiday season was a challenge from the start, as The Salvation Army continued striving to meet increased demand for services while in-person fundraising opportunities were reduced. "We want to say, 'thank you' to local supporters in 2021 who made it possible for us to provide life-saving services to the hungry, homeless and families and individuals feeling hopeless in our community and surrounding communities 365 days a year, 7 days a week," said Sergeant John McKee.

"I want to thank ALL the donors and volunteers who made the Christmas season happy and bright for 1,238 children who received Christmas gifts through our Angel Tree program. The Salvation Army of Loudoun's Angel Tree program is incredibly run and managed by 3 amazing volunteers along with our staff. More importantly, 420 devoted volunteers came – some multiple times - to our distribution center to assist with the organization and the distribution of the presents. I also want to express our appreciation to the Village of Leesburg who donated the site to us. My Guys Moving donated their time and equipment to pick up and deliver thousands of gifts to the distribution center. These gifts were donated by many businesses, HCA communities, the faith community and families", said Sergeant McKee.

The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettle campaign was conducted from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Mayor Kelly Burk kicked off this year's campaign at Main Street Station. The Brass Ensemble of the National Capital Area Band of DC also performed at the event. Kettles were located at Giant, Safeway, and Walmart stores in Loudoun. The funds we receive from the kettle program help us provide rental assistance, eviction prevention, utility assistance, and emergency food assistance throughout the year. "Our Red Kettle campaign is critical to our ability to provide basic and essential needs to those struggling in our community," said Sergeant McKee.

With the help of donors and volunteers, The Salvation Army embodied their Christmas theme, "Hope Marches On." – thanks to the generosity of so many.

Learn more about the work that The Salvation Army of Loudoun does throughout the year on their https://salvationarmypotomac.org/loudouncountycorps/, or call 703-771-3371.