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May12–18

National Salvation Army Week – May 12-18, 2025

This year, National Salvation Army Week takes place from May 12 18, not just in the U.S. but all over the globe. The Salvation Army always endeavors to help people in need and this week recognizes their and their volunteers’ massive efforts.

History of National Salvation Army Week

In 1954, the week of November 18 until December 4 was declared by the United States Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week (now recognized in May), as a reminder to Americans to give freely.

Today, the Salvation Army is at work in 132 countries around the world. Just in the U.S., in 2020, the organization provided more than 155 million meals between March and September alone, 1.6 million nights of shelter, 6.6 million food boxes, and emotional and spiritual care to 857,000 people. With more than 7,500 centers of operation in the U.S., the Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to meet needs in Jesus’ name, without discrimination — wherever it exists. This past year they were able to serve 14,171 individuals; they gave out 14,021 items of clothing; served 10,765 meals to the hungry; gave out 9,234 Christmas gifts; gave out 1,352 emergency food baskets to the hungry and had the help of volunteers whose hours came to 8,529.

National Salvation Army Week was created to recognize everything the charitable organization does throughout the year. Also, this week aims to spread global awareness about their charitable work.

National Salvation Army Week timeline

1900
The Salvation Army Starts

In April, the Salvation Army faithfully starts its work and consistently continues for years to come.

1954
Official Status

The U.S. Congress declares National Salvation Army Week as official.

2018
CEO Selection

General Brian Peddle gets selected as the CEO of the Salvation Army by the High Council.

2020
COVID-19 Relief

The Salvation Army provides more than 155 million meals for COVID-19 relief.

National Salvation Army Week FAQs

What does the Salvation Army do?

The Salvation Army is famous for its work with people in disadvantaged positions and who are facing adversity. It offers help to the elderly, the youth, criminal offenders, drug addicts, and disabled people. It also provides food and shelter for the homeless and runs food distribution centers.

Can anyone join the Salvation Army?

Yes, the Salvation Army is open to everyone and anyone.

What will the Salvation Army not take?

The Salvation Army stores don’t accept built-in appliances or kerosene appliances. They also refuse large console stereos and television sets and automobile parts, including wheels or tires. You can’t donate potentially dangerous or polluting items, such as chemicals or paint.

How To Observe National Salvation Army Week

  1. Learn about basic needs

    In National Salvation Army Week, you can make an effort to learn the basic needs of people in America and elsewhere. You can get a good idea of this by having a look at the Human Needs Index.

  2. Spread awareness

    You can spread awareness about the good work that the Salvation Army does by going on social media and sharing posts with hashtags. This might make more and more people join the cause and observe this week.

  3. Volunteer at an event

    Take time off your daily routine and visit one of the centers of the Salvation Army. During this week they have an enormous workload, and you can volunteer to help ease this. Every little bit counts.

5 Ways You Can Help The Salvation Army

  1. Financial donations

    Financial donations are needed for this kind of work and every little bit can help in a big way.

  2. Material donations

    You can make donations of household goods, clothing, furniture, and even vehicles.

  3. Stock donations

    Another way to help is by donations of mutual funds, bonds, and stocks, which bring in substantial returns.

  4. Air miles donations

    A different way to give a contribution is by donating airline miles to the Salvation Army for their trips.

  5. Hold a fundraiser

    You can also help by holding a fundraiser to bring in more donations for the Salvation Army.

Why National Salvation Army Week Is Important

  1. Willingness to help

    There are many people and organizations in the world that talk about helping people but when it comes to actually doing it, only a few organizations, such as the Salvation Army, rise to the task. Thus this week is important for us to recognize their efforts towards varied charities.

  2. Helping those in need

    The Salvation Army is one of the very few organizations that work on the grass-roots level and reach the poorest of the poor to help them out in times of crisis. Such a week is a recognition for the stellar work they do throughout the year, and that’s why it is important to celebrate it.

  3. Awareness is decreasing

    There is very little awareness among people about the work that the Salvation Army does. They are one of those institutions that do the work and don’t blow their own horns. Such a week helps us realize their importance and makes us appreciate their great contribution towards uplifting people from all strata of society.

National Salvation Army Week dates

Year Date Day
2022 May 9 Monday
2023 May 15 Monday
2024 May 13 Monday
2025 May 12 Monday