Falcon Heights, MN - Dan Stoltz, SPIRE Credit Union President/CEO, was recently introduced as this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Community Chair.  Stoltz will replace former Minnesota Twins player, Joe Mauer, who was the 2019 Kettle Chair.  

During a special event, Dan announced SPIRE will donate $100,000 to The Salvation Army to help kick off their “Rescue Christmas” campaign.  The campaign started early out of concern that donations during the holiday season will suffer because of the pandemic. Kettle collections are anticipated to decline as much as 50 percent due to fewer kettle locations and ringers, reduced hours, and less cash carried by consumers.

On Friday, November 13, 2020, Dan rung the inaugural Salvation Army Red Kettle bell, kicking off the 2020 holiday season.

The potential shortfall is also concerning in the face of the increased need for services.  Nationally, demand for Salvation Army assistance has increased 155% this year versus 2019.  The pandemic’s economic impact has millions of families facing extended unemployment, food shortages and eviction.

“There is a lot at stake this year because of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dan Stoltz, SPIRE Credit Union President/CEO, Salvation Army Red Kettle Community Chair. “Starting today we’re rolling up our sleeves to let the community know how they can help.”

Here are four easy ways to have SPIRE Credit Union double the impact of your gift:

• Give online

• Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” then specify the amount

• Give any amount by texting “KETTLES” to 91999

• Make a contactless donation with Apple Pay, Google Pay or QR code scan at any red kettle location beginning in November

Right now, SPIRE is matching all online gifts and other digital donations to The Salvation Army, up to $100,000.

SPIRE Credit Union is proud to partner with The Salvation Army during the 2020 Christmas season.

“The support and commitment from Dan Stoltz and the entire team at SPIRE Credit Union are a testament to the incredible compassion this community has for its neighbors in need,” said Lt. Col. Dan Jennings, commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division, which serves all of Minnesota and North Dakota.

About SPIRE Credit Union: A full-service financial institution, proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin residents since 1934. SPIRE is committed to providing smart products, great rates and excellent service with a goal to improve the financial lives for both personal and business members. SPIRE has 20 branches throughout Minnesota.  To learn more about SPIRE, please visit www.myspire.com.