National Salvation Army Week

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Christian Civic
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Week starting with the 2nd Monday of May
Holiday emoji:: 🔔

National Salvation Army Week takes place from Monday, May 11 through Sunday, May 17, 2026. This week recognizes the tireless efforts of The Salvation Army and its dedicated volunteers who provide essential services globally. Join us in acknowledging their profound impact and finding ways to support their mission.

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Expected National Salvation Army Week Deals

During National Salvation Army Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to community support and fundraising. Major retailers like Walmart and Kroger often partner with The Salvation Army for donation drives, offering collection points for food, clothing, and toys. Many companies encourage employee volunteerism or match employee donations to the organization. Look for opportunities to round up purchases at checkout or participate in local fundraising events. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities to give back as May 2027 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Salvation Army Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and share stories of your company’s volunteer efforts or donations to The Salvation Army.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SalvationArmyWeek. Share personal stories of impact or organize a local donation drive.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SalvationArmyWeek. Tweet about the week’s significance and spotlight local Salvation Army initiatives.

National Salvation Army Week Hero

William Booth

William Booth was an English Methodist preacher who, along with his wife Catherine, founded The Salvation Army in 1865. Originally known as the Christian Mission, Booth's vision was to bring salvation to the poorest and most marginalized people in London, combining evangelism with social work. His leadership established a global movement that continues to provide extensive humanitarian aid and spiritual guidance worldwide.

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.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Salvation Army Week

Local businesses can honor National Salvation Army Week by organizing donation drives for food, clothing, or household goods, setting up collection bins for customers and employees. Consider a ’round-up at the register’ campaign where customers can donate spare change to The Salvation Army. Businesses can also encourage employee volunteerism at local Salvation Army centers, providing paid time off for staff to contribute to community service. Partnering with the organization for a specific project, such as serving meals or assisting with shelter operations, can also foster goodwill and community engagement.

National Salvation Army Week FAQs

When is National Salvation Army Week?

In 2027, the week of appreciation for The Salvation Army takes place from Monday, May 10 through Sunday, May 16, highlighting their ongoing commitment to communities.

How many people does The Salvation Army serve annually?

The Salvation Army’s extensive network reaches millions, with their services touching the lives of roughly 23 million Americans annually. Their impact is felt in communities through shelters, food banks, and rehabilitation programs.

What is the mission of The Salvation Army?

At its core, The Salvation Army is dedicated to both spiritual and social welfare, aiming to transform lives and communities through practical support and Christian faith. Their work spans from emergency assistance to long-term recovery programs.

Is The Salvation Army a Christian organization?

While widely recognized for its humanitarian aid, The Salvation Army maintains its identity as a Christian denomination. Its comprehensive social programs are an expression of its faith-based commitment to helping those in need.

How To Observe National Salvation Army Week

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.
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.
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

Financial donations
Financial donations are needed for this kind of work and every little bit can help in a big way.
Material donations
You can make donations of household goods, clothing, furniture, and even vehicles.
Stock donations
Another way to help is by donations of mutual funds, bonds, and stocks, which bring in substantial returns.
Air miles donations
A different way to give a contribution is by donating airline miles to the Salvation Army for their trips.
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

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.
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.
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.