CHICAGO, May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army challenges Chicagoans to "Take a Bite out of Hunger" during its 70th Annual Donut Day campaign. On June 6th, an all-volunteer army of hundreds of Donut taggers will hit the streets during a fundraising event at Thompson Plaza. The annual event began during World War I when volunteers handed out donuts to troops on the frontlines. This year, the battlegrounds have moved to our hometown in an effort to defeat the growing epidemic of hunger impacting the lives of Chicagoans every single day. Volunteers will collect funds to battle hunger in the local area and donors will receive tags redeemable for free donuts at participating Duncan Donut shops in Chicago.
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It has become evident that hunger in Chicago has taken on a new dimension as more and more middle income families are seeking assistance. "The escalating costs of food has left many families on the brink," says Lt. Colonel David E. Grindle, The Salvation Army's divisional commander. The Salvation Army, the area's largest direct provider of social services, has seen an increase in individuals and families who are unable to make ends meet. "Your dollars can help stop hunger and save lives," says Grindle. "Thousands are turning to us for help because their groceries just don't last and they don't have money to buy more."
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Agencies providing meals and assistance to the hungry estimate they now are providing services to 60 percent more people than they did in 1998. The Salvation Army alone provided more than 1.8 million nutritious meals last year to hungry people of all ages across metropolitan Chicago. The Army has programs to provide meals to the homeless, housebound, those in its shelter programs, and people at poverty levels. However, the increase in basic food items and gasoline for mobile feeding vehicles has a clear budget impact. "We will not stop feeding, but we need your help to continue our efforts to serve those in need now, and those we know are coming," said Grindle. "In this uncertain economic environment, the situation, no doubt, will worsen."
"Your dollars can help fight hunger and save the lives of so many seniors, children and families who face the very real threat of hunger, some for the first time, and others on a daily basis," says Grindle. "But you don't have to wait for Donut Day you can visit www.salarmychicago.org and make your donations now."
SOURCE The Salvation Army, Metropolitan Division
