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The Salvation Army Urges Americans to Close Gap in Fundraising as Need Soars

In 2022, inflation soared to 8.3 percent, drastically affecting the ability of nearly 92 million Americans to afford the cost of living and basic needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, gas, and food.

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Every donation means more this year as inflation, economic impacts lead to 8% drop in donations

ALEXANDRIA, Va. /PRNewswire/ — In 2022, inflation soared to 8.3 percent, drastically affecting the ability of nearly 92 million Americans to afford the cost of living and basic needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, gas, and food. Even more, approximately 200 million now live paycheck-to-paycheck. The escalation of costs has increased requests for assistance by 30-50 percent in many communities, compared to previous years. These needs are further enhanced during the holiday season as temperatures plummet and more people come seeking refuge and assistance to keep a roof over their head.

The Salvation Army Urges Americans to Close Gap in Fundraising as Need Soars

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9092354-the-salvation-army-love-beyond-christmas-donations/ 

“Because of the overwhelming generosity of our loyal donors, corporate partners, and over 1.3 million volunteers, The Salvation Army has been able to meet the needs of the country’s most vulnerable communities, 365 days of the year,” said The Salvation Army’s National Commander, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder. “But with the multiple burdens that many individuals and families are feeling this year, we will rely on the steadfast support of our friends to help us give people in need a hand up.”

As concerns of rising inflation are expected to continue, the need for poverty assistance, natural disaster relief, and pandemic support grows stronger. With a footprint of over 7,200 locations across the country, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of local communities with tailored programs and services year-round. As the nation’s largest non-governmental direct provider of social services, The Salvation Army invites supporters to Love Beyond Christmas to ensure millions of individuals and families receive help and hope through the end of the year and onward.

The Salvation Army serves more than 25 million people annually with 2.3 million people receiving holiday assistance, alone. Across the country, The Salvation Army has provided vulnerable individuals with over 171 million meals, and assisted 4 million people with the financial assistance they need to stay in their home.

The best way to ensure your neighbors receive the help they need is to Love Beyond Christmas by continuing to support The Salvation Army throughout the year. Your donations become the resources needed to provide essential services across the country.

We invite you to love beyond this year by giving online, or by setting up a recurring monthly gift, at SalvationArmyUSA.org.

  • Sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 a month, which could be the difference between a family staying in their home or falling under the poverty line and living on the streets.
  • Donate cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
  • Ask Amazon’s Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” and then specifying the amount.
  • Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to make a donation by phone.

Funds stay in the communities in which they are donated to meet the increasing needs of your vulnerable neighbors this holiday season and beyond.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually serves more than 25 million people in America, helping them overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

small business

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day: Celebrating Small Business Excellence in 2024

“March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! Let’s celebrate the small businesses that make our communities thrive. #SupportLocal”

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March 29th is a day dedicated to appreciating the hardworking small business owners who contribute to the growth and vitality of our economy, “Mom and Pop Business Owners.” On this special day, we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in the country and shine a spotlight on their remarkable efforts.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the success of their clothing shop that started from humble beginnings. It’s a time to recognize the long hours, dedication, and hard work it takes to run a small business.

Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day!

So, how can we celebrate this important day?

  1. Shop Local: Support the small businesses in your community by seeking them out and becoming a regular customer. Whether it’s a local bookstore, bakery, or boutique, make it a point to visit them frequently. If you hear about an interesting spot, go on an adventure to discover it and then share your recommendations with friends.
  2. Use Social Media: Most small businesses are grateful for any extra attention they can get. Show your support by following your favorite mom and pop shops on social media platforms, and whenever possible, promote and share their posts. A simple like or comment can go a long way in helping them reach a wider audience.
  3. Write a “Thank You” Note: Take a moment to express your gratitude to the mom and pop shop owners and employees who have made a difference in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt note can mean the world to someone who puts their heart and soul into their business.

Now let’s delve into why we love mom and pop businesses:

  1. Personalized Shopping Experience: Mom and pop businesses take pride in providing personalized service to their customers. They take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and make your shopping experience memorable. Unlike large retail chains, they genuinely care about their customers and strive to create a unique and enjoyable experience with superior customer service.
  2. Community Support: Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting the local community. They create job opportunities, hire locally, and recycle the money they earn back into the neighborhood. By choosing to spend your dollars at mom and pop establishments, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of your community.
  3. Unique Discoveries: In a world where big-box stores dominate, mom and pop shops bring a breath of fresh air and unique products to the marketplace. They often showcase goods that are different from what you’ll find in every chain store. Discovering something special and undiscovered is quite the delight, and supporting these businesses encourages innovation and diversity.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is a reminder of the remarkable contributions made by small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, personalized service, and unique experiences for customers. So, on March 29th, let’s show our appreciation for these hardworking individuals and make a conscious effort to support and celebrate the mom and pop shops in our communities.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-mom-pop-business-owners-day/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/

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Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Dual Language Programs in Arizona Schools

Judge Cooper dismissed Arizona’s school chief’s lawsuit challenging dual language programs for non-English speakers, affirming State Board of Education’s authority in approving language models. This reinforces adherence to approved educational standards.

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In a recent legal development that has garnered attention, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought forward by Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, challenging dual language programs used in certain school districts to educate non-English speaking students. The dispute stemmed from the argument that these programs, which split a student’s day between English and another language, violated a 2000 voter-approved law mandating English-only instruction.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper’s ruling on Tuesday was a significant turning point in this legal battle. She determined that Horne lacked the legal authority and standing to initiate the lawsuit and failed to present valid legal claims against Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and the 10 school districts involved.

Judge Cooper’s decision highlighted the state Board of Education’s role in approving language immersion models, emphasizing that the school districts in question were following approved models. She clarified that the responsibility for developing and sanctioning immersion models lies with the State Board, not individual districts. As per her ruling, all public and charter schools must adhere to models endorsed by the State Board.

This ruling not only resolves the immediate legal dispute but also underscores the importance of adhering to established educational guidelines and processes. It reaffirms the regulatory role of the State Board of Education in approving language instruction models, providing clarity on the standards that schools must follow.

The outcome of this lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding language education in Arizona. It serves as a reminder of the legal framework that governs educational practices and the significance of compliance with state-approved guidelines. Ultimately, this decision underscores the need for a clear, standardized approach to language education that aligns with the broader educational objectives of the state.

https://apnews.com/article/arizona-dual-language-program-lawsuit-schools-c850b20bddb673219ec316f0c646c316

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/

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The Controversy Surrounding Guaranteed-Basic-Income in Arizona: A Republican Stance

Arizona Republicans unite against guaranteed-basic-income programs, citing concerns over socialism and unearned payments.

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Arizona Republican lawmakers have taken a stand against the concept of guaranteed-basic-income programs with the recent passing of House Bill 2375. Despite the state grappling with high rates of homelessness, the Republican majority in the Arizona House of Representatives voted in unison to prohibit such programs. This decision has sparked a debate on the effectiveness and implications of such initiatives in addressing poverty and wealth disparity.

The bill’s sponsor, GOP Rep. Lupe Diaz, equated guaranteed-basic-income programs to socialism, labeling the payments as “unearned.” This perspective aligns with the broader Republican stance on welfare policies and government assistance. The legislation aims to block any scheme that provides individuals with regular cash payments without a prerequisite of work or training.

Basic-income programs have gained momentum nationwide as a potential solution to bridge the wealth gap and alleviate poverty. These initiatives offer financial support to specific demographics, often those living in poverty or near the poverty line, without imposing conditions on how the funds should be utilized. They stand in contrast to universal-basic-income programs, which distribute funds universally regardless of income levels.

The contentious nature of this bill underscores a fundamental ideological divide regarding social welfare and economic policies. While proponents view guaranteed-basic-income as a progressive step towards addressing systemic inequalities, opponents like the Arizona Republican lawmakers raise concerns about dependency, misuse of funds, and the encroachment of socialist ideologies.

As the bill progresses to the Arizona Senate, where Republicans hold a slight majority, the fate of guaranteed-basic-income programs in the state hangs in the balance. The outcome of this legislative battle will not only impact Arizona but may reverberate across the nation, shaping the discourse on poverty alleviation and social welfare policies.

The debate around guaranteed-basic-income programs reflects the broader societal conversation on economic justice and the role of the government in supporting vulnerable populations. While opinions may differ on the efficacy of such initiatives, it is imperative to critically assess their potential benefits and drawbacks in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Source: Business Insider

https://www.businessinsider.com/arizona-gop-ban-guaranteed-basic-income-programs-homelessness-poverty-2024-2

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