National Salvation Army Week
Many people know of The Salvation Army during the holiday season with bell ringers and Red Kettles. However, our efforts help relieve the burden and strain on our neighbors experiencing hardship every day of the year.
National Salvation Army Week (May 11–17, 2026) is a week dedicated to honoring our work in local communities across the country. It was declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, and since then it has served as an annual reminder of the vast scope of our services and ways you can help.
National Salvation Army Week’s History
In 1954, the week of November 28 – December 4 — now recognized in May — was declared by the United States Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week as a reminder to people in the United States to give freely of themselves. In his speech, President Eisenhower said:
“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.” — President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
In the 72 years since, we have continued to provide essential year-round services to our most vulnerable neighbors in need.
The State of Need in the United States
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 36 million people living in the United States are living in poverty and around 18 million households live with food insecurity.
In 2025, The Salvation Army helped more than 28 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is helping those in need at more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to give to The Salvation Army to help sustain crucial services in your community.