Have you ever wondered where all your money goes after you drop your change (or swipe your credit card) into a red kettle? It’s a good question. The Salvation Army’s Annual Report is a great way for donors to learn how their money is being used to help people in need nationwide.
For several years I’ve been thinking about how we can do a better job distributing our annual report – to make sure the reports don’t sit on a shelf collecting dust somewhere. This past year -- for the first time ever -- The Salvation Army went entirely paperless by releasing its annual report exclusively online. Having the report “live” online ensures that it is easily accessible to as many people as possible.
In addition to interactive financial statements and a video “letter” from our National Commander, among other items, the Annual Report also features testimonial videos about the Army’s work. One of the videos highlights the FAITH program in Sarasota, FL which offers transitional housing for homeless families with children.
Another video features the Caring Partners Adult Day Program which was started at The Salvation Army in Rochester, NY. It helps physically and mentally challenged adults while also offering support to their spouses and children.
Every donation counts – from individuals and from our corporate partners like Walmart. But it’s easy to lose sight of the real good that these gifts do. Our hope is that with the online annual report, people will really get a sense of where these contributions go – and how they help. You can check out the report for yourself here: http://annualreport.salvationarmyusa.org/.