FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Salvation Army - Portland Metro
8495 SE Monterey Ave.
Happy Valley, OR  97086

Major Don Gilger
Portland Metro Coordinator
719.201.3215

Teresa Engel
Communications & Marketing Associate
503.794.3283

Celebrate National Salvation Army Week (May 14-20) by "Doing the Most Good"

(Portland, OR) May 14, 2012 - This week, let's celebrate!  Today, The Salvation Army kicks off their 59th annual National Salvation Army Week and is celebrating people like you!  Each year, this week serves as an opportunity to celebrate volunteers, donors, and program beneficiaries who have enabled The Salvation Army to serve in the United States for 132 years. You can celebrate, too, by "doing the most good" in your community through volunteering or random acts of kindness.

Back in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower named this week as a reminder to Americans to give freely of themselves. The Salvation Army is thankful for this opportunity to recognize the 3 million volunteers who give of themselves to The Salvation Army each year. That's 8,000 volunteers "Doing the Most Good" each day!

In his speech, President Eisenhower noted,

"Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all."

Take the challenge yourself to do the most good this week: volunteer, smile at a stranger, hand out goodies, open the door for someone, buy coffee for the person behind you, and so on.  It is about sharing how one person doing the simplest of things can make all the difference to another person.

Here is what The Salvation Army is doing in your community this week:
FREE Hot Dogs in Washington County - The Salvation Army Tualatin Valley Citadel is handing out free hot dogs to the community from 11:00am-1:00pm on Wednesday, May 16th from their Corps building located at 351 SE Oak St. in Hillsboro.
Around Town with Mr. Kettle - keep your eyes peeled for a Salvation Army kettle walking (yes, walking) around Portland.  Pictures and interviews are available.
Larger Than Life Kettle Sightings - in secret locations around the Metro area, don't be surprised to spot a large, metal kettle.  This kettle, normally used in parades, has to be pulled on a trailer and will be stationed across town to raise more awareness for The Salvation Army.
Also, check out the new Portland Metro Salvation Army website: www.salvationarmyportland.org.& amp; amp;n bsp;

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army works in 124 countries worldwide.  For more information, or to make a donation, visit us online at www.salvationarmyportland.org.  People wishing to make monetary donations can do so by calling 503.238.GIVE (4483), or by mail, The Salvation Army, 8495 SE Monterey Avenue, Happy Valley, OR 97086-7844.

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