Middletown, New York (November 18, 2020) – The Galleria at Crystal Run, owned by Pyramid Management Group, is proud to announce the continuation of the iconic “Red Kettle” holiday campaign and longstanding strategic partnership with the Salvation Army Empire State Division, joining 11 additional Pyramid shopping centers throughout New York State. The Salvation Army Empire State Division and Pyramid have been integral community partners in the communities they serve for 52 years, since the inception of Pyramid Management Group in 1968. The Galleria at Crystal Run will begin its “Red Kettle” campaign on Friday, November 27.
Last year, the “Red Kettle” partnership generated $3.8 million in donations from shopping center guests across Pyramid’s portfolio that directly benefitted those who need the support the most throughout the Empire State Division of the Salvation Army.
“The red kettles are an iconic part of The Salvation Army and we are grateful to have such a strong partnership with Pyramid Management Group to increase foot traffic around our kettles, especially during COVID times,” said Major Ivan Rock, Divisional Commander of the Empire State Division of The Salvation Army.
Needed funds that are typically raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to COVID-19 while requests for services are at an all-time high. To make the donation process safer this holiday season, all red kettles are equipped with NFC technology accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay. The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols and implemented training around cleaning and sanitizing the red kettles. Digital donations through Apple Pay and Google Pay are also strongly encouraged to cut down on points of contact.
Pyramid Management Group is the largest privately held shopping center developer in the Northeast, owning, leasing, and operating 14 properties, 11 of which are in New York State and are part of the “Red Kettle” partnership.
The additional Pyramid properties and the exact dates of their red “Red Kettle” campaigns are as follows:
• Crossgates in Albany, NY – November through December 24
• Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown, NY – November through December 24
• Palisades Center in West Nyack, NY – November 27-28, December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 21-24
• Poughkeepsie Galleria in Poughkeepsie – November through December 24
• Salmon Run in Watertown, NY – November 20th through December 24
• Sangertown Square in New Hartford, NY – November 26 through December 24
• Destiny USA in Syracuse, NY – November 6 through December 24
• Champlain Center in Plattsburgh, NY – November 3 through December 24
• Aviation Mall in Queensbury, NY – November 3 through December 24
• Walden Galleria in Buffalo, NY – November 9 through December 24
“Giving back to the communities we serve, particularly in times of greater need, is incredibly important to Pyramid Management Group and the guests who graciously choose to donate every holiday season at our properties,” said Stephen J. Congel, chief executive officer, Pyramid Management Group. “We are honored to continue this important tradition and partnership with the Salvation Army and provide our guests with an opportunity to give back in a manner that’s safe for everyone. The partnership is especially meaningful to our guests since the funds raised at each one of our centers remains in the communities they were donated.”
Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army could serve up to 155 percent more people nationwide in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming the resources are available. Throughout the Empire State Division last year, 4.3 Million meals were served. Since COVID-19 hit, 3 Million meals were served in just 6 months. If we see the same level of increased requests for service, that would mean 40% increase of people who need our help this holiday season.
The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols and implemented training around cleaning and sanitizing the red kettles. Digital donations through Apple Pay and Google Pay are also strongly encouraged to cut down on points of contact.
Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit empire.salvationarmy.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year.
About The Salvation Army Empire State Division
The Empire State Division of The Salvation Army covers 48 counties in upstate New York and one city in Pennsylvania (Sayre, Pa.). Our annual Red Kettle Campaign in November and December helps our 45 community centers and 166 volunteer driven service units raise funds that remain in each community to help those in need.
For more information go to: empire.salvationarmy.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salvationarmyempirestate
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.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Galleria at Crystal Run, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held real estate developers in the northeast. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment destinations and expanding hospitality presence dominate the northeast with 14 properties located throughout New York and Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, Pyramid has built its reputation on being first, fast, ahead of the curve and always what’s next, leading the industry in combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com.
ABOUT GALLERIA AT CRYSTAL RUN
The Galleria at Crystal Run is the Hudson Valley’s premier shopping center and a community resource for all the tristate area. For more information on the Galleria at Crystal Run’s shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, please visit www.galleriacrystalrun.com.
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