Salvation Army
William and Catherine Booth, Methodist leaders in 19th-century England, founded the mainstream Protestant denomination famous for its Christmastime bell-ringers and vast network of thrift stores in 1865. The Army now boasts operations in 124 countries and over 1.4 million members, who maintain a military organizational structure of soldiers, cadets, and a head general (currently Linda Bond). The Army is considered one of the most effective charities in America, with private donations totaling nearly $2 billion in fiscal year 2007.