82 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army will be used to provide aid. However, if there is a disaster the charity may allocate up to 100% toward relief efforts.

What is the Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian organization well known for its thrift shops and philanthropic efforts. Its mission is to help everyone in need while sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Members of the Salvation Army church believe that Christianity should be expressed through service for others. Spiritual rebirth should accompany emotional, physical, and social restoration, so they integrate these values into the ministry. Church services are usually held in Salvation Army community centers, which are the hubs for their spiritual and community development. Members abstain from drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco, and volunteer for a variety of civic activities.

The Salvation Army runs 7,546 community centers across the United States. Work in these centers includes children’s programs, distributing free food to the poor, helping people recover from disasters, rehabilitating prisoners, and stopping human trafficking.

Who founded the Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army began in 1865 in East London when Methodist ministers William Booth and Catherine Booth decided to abandon the traditional concept of a pulpit and take the gospel directly to the people.

The Booths preached practical Christianity — soup, soaps, and salvation — to help both social and spiritual transformation within society’s most marginalized and vulnerable people.

They worked on setting up shelters for people without homes, a family tracing service for missing children, running soup kitchens for the poor, helping people living in slums, and running rescue homes for women fleeing from abusive relationships and prostitution. The couple also oversaw a free labor exchange and campaigned for better working conditions.

How is the Salvation Army funded?

The Salvation Army depends on public donations. The Red Kettle campaign each Christmas season is a great way to give back to your community. They also have direct mail campaigns for their local communities. Families also choose to give to the Salvation Army through planned giving. 

Furthermore, the Salvation Army is a part of the religious umbrella organization that receives faith-based government funding. However, the only Salvation Army program that does not seem to receive government funding is the rehab program. Many of their offices depend on their thrift store revenues to fund that particular program.

Foundations also provide funds for Salvation Army chapters. Often this type of fundraising comes from corporations. Examples of foundation companies include Nationwide and Wendy’s. Civic clubs such as the Rotary or Kiwanian organizations also have foundations, a fundraising campaign, or an annual donation to their local Salvation Army organization. Educational outlets, such as Ohio’s Department of Education, also provide foundational funding for the program. Banks and investment groups are also sources of Salvation Army funding.

How can I donate to the Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army provides opportunities for individuals and businesses who want to give and partner with them to help others in the most need. The donation process is pretty simple by following these steps:

Step 1: To know about the opening times and accepted items at a nearby donation center, give them a call or visit their website.

Step 2: Drop off your stuff at a local donation location.

Step 3: Get a donation receipt so you can claim it on your taxes and know you’ve done the greatest good for your neighborhood.

What items does the Salvation Army accept and not accept?

The items that the Salvation Army can accept may vary from location to location. Below is a list of things they typically receive or accept:

  • One-time or monthly gift with cash, a check, or a credit card
  • Appliances that still operate and are not built-in
  • Automobiles
  • Clothing
  • Unbroken furniture
  • Household goods
  • Miscellaneous items
  • Cryptocurrency (on limited chapters)

In general, the Salvation Army Thrift Stores cannot accept:

  • Any appliances that have mechanical difficulties, missing power cord or is rusty or dirty. Gas appliances are strictly not accepted (like kerosene and gas heaters).
  • Large console model TVs and stereos
  • TVs that are older than five years (The date can be found on the back of the television)
  • Built-in appliances
  • Automobile parts (such as tires, wheels, batteries, seats, body parts, and engines)
  • Paint or chemicals of any kind

What does the Salvation Army do with donations?

Donating to or buying from a Salvation Army thrift shop helps generate income for programs and services that help people in need right in their own communities. Your donation stays in your community. You can feel good when you donate items to The Salvation Army because they help support programs and services here in your community and budget-conscious shoppers who shop at stores near you.

The Salvation Army will recycle just about everything they can’t sell in their stores. For example used appliances or computers, cardboard boxes, and soiled clothes.

How much do Salvation Army bell ringers get paid?

The average Salvation Army bell ringer salary is $10 an hour. This estimate is based on 27 salary reports provided by people who work for the organization or estimated based on statistical analysis. This becomes the average total when factoring in bonuses and additional compensation.

What time does the Salvation Army thrift store open?

For most locations, Salvation Army offices open at 10 AM from Monday through Saturday. Though closing times may vary, Salvation Army will typically close at 6 PM with the exception of Wednesday, when stores remain open an hour later (7 PM). 

The Salvation Army’s store locator page on its official website is a great way to find your neighborhood Salvation Army hours of operation.

What did the Salvation Army say about Christianity?

The Salvation Army is an international Christian charity organization and part of the universal Christian Church. Its message, and the lifestyle it promotes, are based on the teachings of the Bible. Its work is to spread the good news about Jesus and to convince people to follow him.

Everything the Salvation Army does is rooted deeply in the Christian faith. The confidence that Salvationists have in a caring and loving God finds expression in their love and service to the community.

Most Salvation Army centers offer weekly worship services, usually held on Sundays. These sessions are relaxed and can include hymn singing, Bible readings, testimonies about members’ Christian experiences, and presentations by worship or drama groups.