Red Kettle fundraiser sees 7.6 percent increase over 2014 along with an 8 percent increase
in individuals served through Angel Tree

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command saw an increase in donations and individuals served in 2015 from the previous Christmas season. The Red Kettle campaign raised $579,199.91 in Oklahoma, Cleveland and Canadian Counties, an increase of 7.6 percent over the 2014 campaign.

“Because of your generosity, thousands of individuals found hope at The Salvation Army during Christmas,” said Major Carlyle Gargis, area commander at The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma. “We are overwhelmed with joy and continue to offer up thanks to God for everyone who gave of their time, talent and treasure to help our neighbors in need.”

Money was not the only resource Oklahomans were generous with this year. The Salvation Army’s volunteers gave more of their time in 2015 with 3,323 volunteers serving 14,369 hours to ring the bell and assist the Angel Tree program.

The additional hours were crucial to meeting the 8 percent increase of individuals seeking assistance through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. The Angel Tree program provided 9,919 individuals, representing over 1,600 families, with Christmas gifts and food donated by the Central Oklahoma community.

“With the increased need, we were concerned our goal would not be met but we prayed and received a miracle with individuals and businesses stepping up to ensure no child was forgotten,” said Major Charlotte Gargis, associate area commander. “On behalf of all of our families, we say ‘thank you’ for giving the gift of love through each doll, toy truck and bicycle.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder, Chesapeake Energy and Paycom were key partners during the season to make Christmas wishes a reality. Five families were adopted by the OKC Thunder and were surprised at home by Thunder players who brought with them gifts, food and tickets to the Christmas Day game. Chesapeake Energy boosted The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program with a gift of $125,000 and Paycom employees once again gave to the red kettle campaign with a gift of $65,000, exceeding any other gift given to the Oklahoma City campaign.

“The Salvation Army in Central Oklahoma helps those in need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Major Carlyle Gargis. “There are more demands than we can meet on our own but with the community’s continued support, together we are able to provide relief from suffering and set a course for transformed lives year round.”