The Salvation Army announced today that it received a record-breaking check from Western & Southern Financial Group’s charitable foundation in the amount of $112,566.94. The check includes $56,283.47 from visitor donations received during the 2022 holiday season at the Crib of the Nativity display at Eden Park’s Krohn Conservatory and an equal match from Western & Southern Financial Fund.
This year’s donation, which tops the 2021 record donation of $94,509, makes it the largest in the 30 years donations collected at the nativity display have been matched by Western & Southern’s foundation. The 2022 donation tops the previous year by nearly 20% and is the result of a record of more than 36,500 visitors to the display.
“We have experienced record setting requests for assistance this past year, and we are so grateful to have those needs met by this record setting donation,” said Major Timothy Lyle, divisional leader of The Salvation Army’s Southwest Ohio Northeast Kentucky Division. “Our ability to serve those in need throughout the year is dependent upon the generosity from the community, and the Crib of the Nativity donations are a significant part of that.”
“The Crib of the Nativity display is a wonderful, multi-generational tradition,” said John F. Barrett, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Western & Southern Financial Group. “Cincinnatians gave from the heart to help their neighbors in need. We are honored to join them in supporting The Salvation Army’s important work to help so many.”
The Crib of the Nativity was started by Western & Southern in 1939, where it was presented at Lytle Park, moved to Union Terminal during World War II, then eventually moved to Eden Park. It quickly became a popular attraction at Christmastime, as visitors of all ages enjoyed the realistic nativity scene with live animals. In 1993, Western & Southern’s foundation began matching the monetary gifts made by those visiting the display. Since then, donations and the match have resulted in more than $750,000 in donations to The Salvation Army.
“Western & Southern continues to be an amazing partner for The Salvation Army,” Major Lyle added. “They sponsor so many of our initiatives, including the Adopt-a-Family program, gifts for Adopt-a-Senior and of course, the nativity display. Whenever there is a need that is shown to Western & Southern, their leadership along with their amazing employees always find a way to step up and help. We are so grateful for their help not only at Christmas but with our initiatives all year.”
Gifts like those from Western & Southern provide vital support to the nonprofit community. Donations to The Salvation Army of $50 can feed 20 people and $100 can provide shelter and a warm place to sleep for three people. To learn more about programs offered by The Salvation Army and how you can help, go to salvationarmycincinnati.org.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
