First Commonwealth Bank Issues Westmoreland County Salvation Army Red Kettle Challenge; FedEx Ground Steps Up to the Plate

CARNEGIE, Pa., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Commonwealth Bank, in conjunction with country music radio station Y108 are joining forces with The Salvation Army to wage war on poverty in Westmoreland County.  Last year, nearly 30,000 needy people received assistance from The Salvation Army for a wide variety of services. Yet, the need continues to spike.

"First Commonwealth Bank stands by The Salvation Army and the great work that they do," said Sue Nelson,  First Commonwealth Bank's Senior Vice President.  "That is why we are issuing a challenge to other Westmoreland County corporations to step up to the plate and give to the cause.  We have a Red Kettle goal of $316,000 and it is critical that we reach it.  Thousands of families are depending on us."  First Commonwealth Bank kicked off the effort with a generous $5,000 gift.

FedEx Ground is the first to step up and drop $2,500 into the kettle.  "This is our first corporate challenge gift and we are deeply grateful," said Melissa Dunlap, The Salvation Army's Westmoreland County Resource Development Manager.   "If a company is not financially capable of giving, they can make a significant impact by directing their employees to our Westmoreland County Online Red Kettle.  If everyone gave a little, we could easily meet this goal."  To support the Westmoreland County Online Red Kettle, log on to www.salvationarmy-wpa.org and follow the prompts.

The public is encouraged to come out and meet Y108's own AM DJ Monty, Sue, Melissa and The Salvation Army at Greensburg's Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 20th from ten until noon in the lot across from the Westmoreland Museum of Art.  Y108 and its listeners have been longtime supporters of The Salvation Army and its efforts.

Make a difference, Take the Red Kettle Challenge and help your neighbors in need.  Your change changes lives.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 120 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army