(Michigan City, IN) - The Salvation Army in Michigan City is preparing for its annual Christmas fund raising drive.

 

The kick-off to the campaign is scheduled for November 1st at the McDonald's on 3507 Franklin Street from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.  The public is welcome to join in on the festivities, including a short program at 8 a.m.

 

The theme of this year’s fundraising drive is “Love Beyond Christmas.”

 

“This Christmas and throughout the year we believe in loving beyond inflation, evictions, hunger, poverty, and other crises that affect residents here in Michigan City,” said Major Becky Simmons.

 

She and her husband, Major Dale Simmons, oversee the Salvation Army branch in Michigan City, which provided holiday assistance to more than 600 families last year.

 

Simmons said she expects that number to be higher this year because of inflation in the post-pandemic economy.

 

“Over the past year, the number of households seeking assistance has continued to increase due to the rising costs of groceries, rent and utilities,” she said.

 

The goal of the Christmas campaign this year is to raise $230,000.