PPL Corp. teams with Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley in effort to brighten the holidays for the neediest in the greater Lehigh Valley area.

Contact: Major Roger Duperree (610) 432-0129
Press Contact: Tina Bradford (610)248-3460

LEHIGH VALLEY, PENNSYLVANIA – The Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley, along with the PPL Corporation, will herald the start of the Christmas season with a Red Kettle Kick-Off, Thursday, November 19, 1:45 p.m., at PPL Plaza, 9th and Hamilton Streets, Allentown.

Overall, the combined Salvation Army of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Pen Argyl assisted more than 25,000 area residents of all ages, gender and backgrounds, in 2008, with emergency assistance, holiday dinners, food baskets, toys, gift cards, and clothing for families, youth, and senior citizens.

James H. Miller, chairman, president and chief executive officer of PPL Corporation, has been named honorary chairman of the Salvation Army Lehigh Valley 2009. “I’m honored, on behalf of all PPL employees, to be part of the important work that the Salvation Army does in the Lehigh Valley, helping the neediest people here in our own backyard,” says Miller. “I’m confident that area residents will respond positively to the Salvation Army’s efforts and, in the process, will feel blessed as they reach out to the less fortunate who are facing particularly tough times,” Miller adds.

“We are highly honored to be named in partnership with PPL.  The recognition of our mission by a major energy company such as PPL signals great need in our community. With Lehigh Valley residents and employee participation and support, we anticipate success with the 2009 campaign,” says Major Roger Duperree, Allentown Corps officer and Lehigh Valley Coordinator.

Lehigh Valley residents may choose to be involved with this Christmas initiative in a number of ways, from the annual toy drive, to the Adopt a Family program, by becoming an Angel Tree participant, by sponsoring a holiday food drive, by making a Red Kettle donation or by volunteering in a myriad of seasonal activities.

Founded in 1865, The Salvation Army is an international organization with hundreds of local chapters across the United States. The mission of The Salvation Army is to meet human needs and to serve suffering people.

For more information about the Salvation Army Lehigh Valley holiday 2009 efforts, contact Major Roger Duperree at (610) 432-0128. Press contact is Tina Bradford PR at 610-248-3460 or Tina@TinaBradfordPR.com.