Winston‑Salem – Samaritan Ministries kicked off its 2026 Penny Campaign on Nov. 1, launching a two‑month effort to raise funds for meals, shelter and other essential services for the city’s most vulnerable residents. The nonprofit, which operates a year‑round soup kitchen and the Samaritan Inn shelter, will collect donations through Dec. 31.
How to give
Donors can contribute in several ways. Physical collection jars will be placed at Samaritan Ministries’ headquarters at 414 E. Northwest Blvd. starting Nov. 2, with pickup hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals and groups may also gather coins, bills or checks and drop them in the jars.
For those who prefer digital giving, the organization has set up an online platform called Sonjia’s Circle, honoring former executive director Sonjia Kurosky. Participants can fill out a simple form on the campaign website, and Samaritan Ministries will create a personal fundraising page that can be shared with friends, family and coworkers. Online donations will be accepted until the campaign’s close on Dec. 31.
Drive‑through collection day
On Saturday, Dec. 5, Samaritan Ministries will host a drive‑through collection event from 9 a.m. to noon at Truist Stadium, 951 Ballpark Way. Contributors are asked to enter the venue via Broad Street, making it easy for motorists to drop off cash or checks without leaving their vehicles.
Impact of donations
Executive Director Jan Kelly emphasized that each contribution directly supports meals and shelter for people facing hardship. The ministry estimates the cost of a single soup‑kitchen meal at $3.25, underscoring how even modest donations can provide tangible relief.
In 2025, Samaritan Ministries reported serving 124,446 meals and providing shelter to 480 men experiencing homelessness. While those figures reflect last year’s activity, they illustrate the scale of need the Penny Campaign aims to address this winter.
Getting involved
Community members, churches, schools and local businesses are encouraged to reserve collection jars, promote online fundraising pages, or simply spread the word about the campaign. All campaign details, jar reservations and the online fundraising form are available at samaritanforsyth.org/pennycampaign. For questions, contact Development Director Anna Rainey at [email protected] or call 336‑448‑2668.
Why it matters
Winter months often bring heightened demand for food and shelter services. By rallying the Winston‑Salem community around a simple, accessible giving model, the Penny Campaign seeks to ensure that no one goes hungry or without a safe place to stay during the cold season. The initiative reflects the city’s strong tradition of faith‑based volunteerism and family‑centered compassion.
Original reporting: Winston-Salem Chronicle — read the source article.
