Of all the days local residents can give to the International Falls Salvation Army, Tuesday will be among the most important.

The reason: that day, beginning at 8 a.m., donations made to the International Falls Salvation Army though the Web site www.givemn.com [1] will be matched as part of “Give to the Max Day,” a giving stimulus plan created to increase giving to nonprofits across Minnesota. The program ends at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Donations made during this 24-hour period will be matched using $500,000 given by the Saint Paul Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation and Bush Foundation. The exact amount matched per dollar donated will be determined after Give to the Max Day concludes, when officials will divide the $500,000 by the total donations. Individual donation transactions greater than $2,500 will be eligible for matching gifts up to $2,500 only.

In addition, the three nonprofits that receive donations from the most individual donors will receive cash prizes; $5,000 for first prize, $2,500 for second, $1,000 for third.

“Donations made to the International Falls Salvation Army on Give to the Max Day will stay in this community and fund vital Salvation Army programs that feed our neighbors, house the homeless and help people break free from addiction,” said Beverly Mayfield, administrator of the International Falls Salvation Army.

Donating to the International Falls Salvation Army during Give to the Max Day is easy. To do so, visit www.givemn.com [4], type The Salvation Army and enter your information. You nearest Salvation Army will be given the money you donate based on the city of residence you enter.

The Salvation Army Northern Division has been serving Minnesota and North Dakota communities since 1886. Today the Northern Division includes operation centers in dozens of cities across both states. These centers provide food, shelter, spiritual enrichment and more to nearly 500,000 people a year. For more information, visit www.thesalarmy.org [5].