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Released 2 April 2009
The Salvation Army, Minnesota Vikings creating Easter baskets April 8
ROSEVILLE, Minn. - Volunteers and candy donations are needed to help The Salvation Army package up to 10,000 Easter baskets for children of the Red River Valley through the organization's Easter Cheer Rolls to Red River effort.
Donated candy will be packaged into baskets by 150 volunteers on Wednesday, April 8 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. The Easter treats will be delivered up and down the Red River Valley with the help of Kids to the Rescue, a grassroots organization created by two little girls during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
"Although Easter is a time when there is much reason to celebrate, this is a difficult time for many of our friends along the Red River," said Lt. Colonel Daniel Sjögren, Salvation Army Divisional Commander. "Handing out these Easter baskets will reassure flood-affected children and their families that The Salvation Army and our many friends in the Twin Cities will be at their side for as long as needed."
The public can participate in two ways: donating and volunteering. To donate, drop off individually wrapped Easter candy or a chocolate bunny on Monday or Tuesday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N. in Roseville, or at Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Rd.
Volunteers are needed to bag the Easter gifts at Grace Church on April 8 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Volunteers MUST preregister online at www.thesalarmy.org, or by calling 651-746-3400. Minnesota Vikings players will be on hand at Grace Church from 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
A "Cheer Caravan" will leave the Twin Cities with the Easter baskets on Thursday, April 9 and distribute them to several communities along northbound Interstate 94. The Salvation Army will continue its distribution Friday and Saturday at various locations and times. For details, visit The Salvation Army's website at www.thesalarmy.org.
Transportation to the Red River Valley is made possible by KLK Productions, a Minneapolis-based event services and transportation company. Additional corporate donors include Cub Foods, Warner Press, the Minnesota Wild and Heartland Candies.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide.
The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory includes the 11 Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
SOURCE & CONTACT:
Annette Bauer, The Salvation Army Northern DHQ
2445 Prior Ave, Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 238-8210 Cell