Salvation Army teams up with WJR for 37th annual Bed and Bread Club Radiothon

METRO DETROIT — The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is continuing its fight against hunger and homelessness with its 37th annual Bed and Bread Club Radiothon, hosted by 760 WJR, starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, through 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23.

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Bed and Bread Program serves more than 4,600 meals each day to men, women and children who would otherwise go without, which amounts to nearly 1.7 million meals every year. In addition, the Bed and Bread Program provides nearly 52,000 nights of shelter annually. Hats, gloves, socks, personal supplies and blankets are often distributed, along with the meals.

The Salvation Army’s $1.825 million fundraising goal will help the nonprofit continue serving nearly 1.7 million meals and providing nearly 52,000 nights of shelter annually through its Bed and Bread program.

“For the past 36 years, the Bed and Bread Club Radiothon has served as a cornerstone for the Bed and Bread program. The funds raised during Radiothon allow The Salvation Army to provide nourishing meals to the hungry and safe shelter to the homeless,” Major Toni Dorrell, the metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, said in a press release. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to WJR and our generous supporters; together, we are doing God’s work and paving the way for positive change for the communities and individuals in need.”

The Bed and Bread Club Radiothon has been broadcasting live on 760 WJR since 2011. In its 36-year history, the fundraiser has raised more than $43.1 million.

“It has been an honor to partner with The Salvation Army these past 13 years to help our neighbors in need," Steve Finateri, the 760 WJR market manager, said in a press release. “We are grateful to our listeners whose support has made this fundraiser a success. Through their generosity, we can help feed the hungry and provide shelter for the homeless — a need that remains in metro Detroit.”

The organizers said that listeners who donate $120 will be feeding five people for nearly a month. Those who donate $240 will provide meals to 10 people for nearly a month and, in return, will receive a limited-edition Bed and Bread Club Radiothon rain poncho. Those contributing $255 or more can also donate an extra rain poncho to a Bed and Bread client.

The Radiothon will kick off with Bed and Bread success stories and donation information for those tuning in on Thursday, and will run overnight before switching to the live broadcast at 5 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 23.

Individuals can donate to The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread program by visiting www.sametrodetroit.org, texting BREAD to 24365, or calling 833-SAL-HOPE (833-725-4673). For more information about The Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club Radiothon, including event volunteer opportunities, visit www.sametrodetroit.org/radiothon.