As the annual Christmas Campaign comes to an end, The Salvation Army of Michigan City is happy to announce that its goal of raising $235,000 has been met. Thanks to support from the community, The Salvation Army raised 104 percent of the 2024 campaign goal. “When we launched our 2024 Christmas Campaign, we knew we would be facing a steep climb to reach our goal,” said Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army. “But these funds are what we need to be able to continue offering services to the community – and we had faith that the generous folks of Michigan City would step up and help make Christmas miracles happen.”

The Salvation Army attributes this higher campaign goal to an increase in requests for assistance. Over the past year, the non-profit reported a continued increase in the number of food orders filled through the food pantry compared to the previous year. Simmons said this increase in requests is likely due to the post-pandemic economy and inflation as more Michigan City residents continue to struggle to make ends meet. Christmas campaign funds, raised through Red Kettles and other donations, account for approximately one-third of the annual budget for The Salvation Army of Michigan City. In 2024, these funds helped provide holiday assistance to 614 local families, including 1,468 children who received food and toys for Christmas. Other programs supported by the Christmas campaign include a food pantry, diaper bank, summer camp, utility assistance, free clothing room, weekend backpack feeding program, Pathway of Hope case management, and other support for the Michigan City community.

“All of the money raised through our Christmas campaign stays right here in Michigan City to meet the needs of people who are struggling with basic needs,” Simmons said. “We are here to provide emergency services to City residents, such as food, clothing, and warmth, but we’re also here to help break the cycle of poverty for our families through programs like Pathway of Hope and Bridges Out of Poverty.”

The 2024 Christmas Campaign Chair was Mike Hackett and the team at Harbour Trust & Investment Management Company, helping to volunteer throughout the season as well as raising funds and awareness for The Salvation Army.

“What a truly fabulous experience it was to help create an atmosphere of giving and a plan for achieving their financial goal – it was so rewarding. I’m honored to have been chosen as Campaign Chair and would do it again without hesitation,” Hackett said. “The phrase ‘Doing the Most Good’ aligns very closely with the core values at Harbour Trust Company, so helping The Salvation Army with their kettle campaign was a great fit for us. Our staff was happy to give their time and efforts to make this the best holiday season for those served by The Salvation Army.”

Those who are interested in donating to The Salvation Army of Michigan City can visit donate.salvationarmyindiana.org/michigancity. More information about The Salvation Army of Michigan City is available by calling (219) 874-6885 or by visiting www.samichigancity.org.