SPOTLIGHT ON THE SALVATION ARMY:

A Letter from Our Foundation President, William J. Chatlos

December 19, 2005

When you listen to the sound of Salvation Army bells in front of your favorite stores this holiday season, what do you hear? Bells ringing in Christmas, bells ringing out a tough year? Do you hear an opportunity to be generous?

Hurricane survivors hear the sound of salvation. Salvation Army workers came in to the many areas devastated by this last season's hurricanes, stayed, and are continuing their relief efforts.

"The help of every compassionate American is needed," says Commissioner Phil Needham, Territorial Commander, in a Salvation Army appeal after Hurricane Katrina.

In September, organizations and individuals responded generously. We consider it a privilege to help and a blessing to know that Americans listen to each other's needs.

Maybe you gave during the hurricane season. However, the effects of these catastrophic hurricanes, Needham reminds us, "will be felt literally for years to come."

So, when you hear the sound of bells and feel that familiar rush of generosity, put money in the kettle the way you do every Christmas season. Then stop and listen to your heart. It may be calling on you to do more, to send a check or donate online for the hurricane victims whose needs continue beyond this holiday season.

To learn more about The Salvation Army, visit http://www.salvationarmy.org.

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