The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Salvation Army are working together to help feed the hungry. The Church gave the Salvation Army $1 million to support food distribution in more than 150 locations throughout the United States. The gift is “in response to an increased demand on the Salvation Army’s food kitchens and an anticipated decrease in donations for its annual Christmas campaign,” officials said.
About pandemic relief, officials in the greater Chattanooga area said, “We are all in this together. No matter where we are in the world, we are children of the same God. Our Heavenly Father loves His children everywhere. He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that we might overcome death and sin – and return to Him. Is it any wonder we celebrate the birth of Christ during this holiday season? As we celebrate Jesus, our hearts are inclined to do as He would do. That’s why we give to causes like the Salvation Army.”
The Salvation Army blesses the lives of more than 2.5 million individuals annually, officials said.
LDS Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse, who met with leaders of the Salvation Army in the United States, said, “We feel a small part of this great work…and…it’s a great honor for any member of the Church to give to this cause…because we are all Christians. We want to emulate the example of the Savior, loving Him and loving our neighbor.”
Since 1988, the Church has partnered with the Salvation Army making “some 350 cash or commodity donations to various Salvation Army locations across the United States…. Outside the United States, the Church has contributed to more than 100 Salvation Army projects in 30 countries since 1994.” Of their partnership, National Chief Secretary of the Salvation Army Colonel Kenneth Johnson thanked The Lord “for the opportunities that we have of collaborating with the Latter-day Saint community and for the opportunities that we have of serving together."
In related news, President Russell M. Nelson posted a Christmas video stating that “the greatest hope can be found with a singular Child – Jesus, born in Bethlehem. His matchless love and life bless all who follow Him with glad tidings of great joy.” The video features “Silent Night” sung by YouTube star Claire Crosby.
"From members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the greater Chattanooga area, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas," officials said.