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Citizens Bank Foundation provides $100,000 in matching funds award to the New Hampshire Salvation Army
Partnership helps organization raise nearly $642,000 statewide through 2007 Kettle CampaignManchester, N.H. (January 18, 2008) - The Citizens Bank Foundation announced it is donating $100,000 to the Salvation Army’s 2007 Kettle Campaign in New Hampshire, successfully completing a partnership developed in response to the growing need for emergency food, shelter and assistance with fuel expenses throughout the state. Citizens pledged to match donations up to $100,000 collected at 20 specially-marked green kettles located in Concord, Laconia, Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth.
The green kettles were available from November 23 to December 24, 2007 and generated over $291,500 alone in contributions. This represents more than half of the overall donations raised in the five communities from all kettle contributions. The Salvation Army’s remaining 48 red kettles were available for that same time period.
“This is the first time in the history of The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign that we have displayed kettles in communities throughout New Hampshire in a color other than our traditional red,” said Major Greg Hartshorn, Officer of the Manchester Salvation Army. “By partnering with our friends at Citizens Bank and changing the color of some of the kettles, we were able to increase awareness of this campaign. Combining the $100,000 in matching funds from the Citizens Bank Foundation and the donations collected in both green and red kettles, we were able to raise nearly $642,000 in this year’s campaign to help fund many of our important programs that support our neighbors across New Hampshire.”
“This partnership with Citizens Bank was a tremendous boost to our Kettle Campaign this year,” said Hartshorn. “Faced with tougher economic times and lots of cold, snowy weather, the Salvation Army really needed significant help in order to meet the needs of those requesting assistance. Citizens Bank really came through and with the addition of the green kettles generated a renewed interest and level of support for our campaign. We sincerely thank the bank and all our friends and supporters across the state who helped us raise these funds to support our many programs.”
According to Hartshorn, this year’s campaign will provide more than 980 food vouchers, nearly 6,000 articles of clothing and more than 8,000 new toys for disadvantaged individuals, families and children in New Hampshire.
“The Salvation Army provides much-needed assistance 365 days a year to individuals and families across our communities,” said Cathy Schmidt, President of Citizens Bank New Hampshire. “We are honored to have played an important role in helping The Salvation Army raise these important funds and I want to thank the kind and generous citizens of New Hampshire who supported our efforts by donating to the green kettles and supporting the 2007 Kettle Campaign.”
About the Citizens Bank Foundation
Citizens Bank Foundation is a subsidiary of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, which is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. The foundation’s support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs.
About the Salvation Army
Helping people in time of need is the backbone of our work at The Salvation Army. But our life-giving mission goes far beyond basic assistance (i.e. food or clothing). Through our programs, we not only help individuals and families in the short-term, but also for the long-term. The Salvation Army strives to be timely and efficient as it examines and addresses needs within a community. We continue to seek ways to change people’s lives by elevating the human spirit through the gift of Christian love. We lift people up – get them on their feet – help them grow in all dimensions of life.
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