Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international Christian religious and charitable organization founded in 1865 in London by William and Catherine Booth. Originally established as the East London Christian Mission, it focuses on evangelizing and serving the poor, homeless, and marginalized populations. The organization adopted its current name in 1878, reflecting its military-style structure and mission to combat social injustices while spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Active in over 130 countries, The Salvation Army provides a range of services, including evangelical ministry, social services like emergency shelters and food distribution, and community programs such as youth initiatives and educational projects. It operates thrift stores that sell donated goods to fund its charitable activities. The organization is well-known for its fundraising campaigns, particularly the iconic red kettles during the Christmas season, which help support its extensive outreach efforts to individuals and families in need.