Only through your generosity can The Salvation Army assist our needy neighbors during the holiday season and all year round. That’s why we say, “Thank God for You!” And it’s why we invite you to host a “Thank God for You” party to help us bring vital services to those in need this Christmas and throughout the new year. It’s a great way to demonstrate to family and friends how grateful you are for them, too!

Here's how it works:

• 1. Select a group of family and friends who are concerned about those who struggle on a daily basis. The number doesn’t matter — small, intimate groups or large, informal gatherings — both are tremendously effective when everyone shares the same passion.

• 2. Choose a “Thank God” activity. You might ask guests to bring new, unwrapped gifts for The Salvation Army’s toy distribution, or adopt a family and suggest items that the family needs. You could also request that your guests bring non-perishable food items to fill holiday food baskets or stock The Salvation Army’s pantry. Or simply ask them to make a monetary donation. Learn more ways you can help!

• 3. Decide on a date and time. Any day after Thanksgiving and at least a week before Christmas should allow plenty of time to share the results of your event with the Salvation Army, so we can put them to work helping others. Evenings . . . weekends . . . mid-afternoons — whenever it’s most convenient for your group.

• 4. Invite your Guests. Use our Thank God tool kit to download invitation and e-mail templates that you can customize as your own.

• 5. Host your event!. Download posters and banners from our Thank God tool kit to promote the event. The site also contains ideas for activities, games, foods and tokens of appreciation for your guests — to let them know that The Salvation Army thanks God for them, and you do too!