(Philadelphia, PA) June 29, 2010 – For the second time in its 131-year history, The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia will host Christmas in July, a month-long series of fundraising events to meet basic needs for Philadelphians who require assistance to stay healthy, active and safe during the summer months. 

With support from local media and sports and corporate mascots, Salvation Army volunteers will staff red kettles at selected Center City locations every Thursday in July (July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) in the hope of raising awareness and funds for struggling Philadelphians who have nowhere else to turn while school is out and heat is in.

"As the area's largest safety net, we're struggling to support our neighbors who rely on us for respite from the heat, food on the table, and perhaps the chance to send a child out of the city to camp for a week," said Major Jorge Diaz, director of operations for The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia. "Thankfully, the public thinks of The Salvation Army during the holidays, to bring joy and hope to the less fortunate facing cold and hunger. But the need is equally strong in the summer, when seniors are isolated in sweltering apartments, and young people are out of school needing structure and guidance. Christmas in July helps us fill the gap."

Programs in urgent need of funding this summer include The Salvation Army Camp Ladore, an overnight camp in the Pocono mountains where inner city children ages 7-16 can learn how to swim, experience 1,400 acres of pristine woodlands and trails, and participate in a range of physical and spiritual activities, including hiking, fishing, hay rides, soccer, volleyball, swimming, music instruction, and bible study. Although the cost of one week at camp currently exceeds $300, parents are able to pay on a sliding scale thanks to fund raising efforts like Christmas in July. The Salvation Army also offers summer recreational, music, art, and academic support activities at each of its corps community centers in low-income neighborhoods throughout the city.

Similarly, senior citizens are also among those who rely on Salvation Army programs to survive the summer months.

"Keeping seniors active and meeting new people is a part of our mission," says Major Andrew Murray, commanding officer at The Salvation Army Philadelphia Citadel Corps Community Center on Rising Sun Avenue. "Living alone is tough and often detrimental to a person's health and well-being. We provide a welcoming community for everyone to come and just enjoy life."

Below is a schedule of special Christmas in July red kettle events: