People in need are invited to take part in The Salvation Army’s assistance programs this holiday season, said Capt. Chase Green. They are offering food boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas based on family size, as well as a Christmas toy-giving plan for children called the Angel Tree Program.
“Thanksgiving (assistance) is food-based, and they can sign up right now,” he said. “We really want to encourage people to sign up.”
According to Green, the application process is simple and confidential. Identification, such as driver’s licenses, Social Security cards or birth certificates, is needed for every child and adult in the household. “It just helps us in our data keeping so that we have all the households in order.”
Boxes will be filled with food to make holiday meals based on family size and also will include activities for kids like word puzzles and mazes, Green said.
The Salvation Army is accepting all kinds of food donations for its assistance programs. “Last year, we served 85 families which equated to 200 individuals,” he said of the Thanksgiving program. “This year, we anticipate we’ll serve 120 families.”
For Christmas, The Salvation Army will provide toys for children through their Angel Tree Program. Trees at various places around town will feature tags, each with a child’s name, their wish list and sometimes clothing size. “It doesn’t mean they always get exactly (what’s on their wish list) but that child is going to get something special nonetheless,” Green said.
Last year their toy program served 190 children; this year they’re hoping for 250.
For Thanksgiving, Green hopes to raise about $6,000, which would cover expenses for all the food for families. “For Christmas we’re hoping to raise about $10,000 because of the added expense for toys as well as food,” he said.
He also invited residents and organizations to partner with The Salvation Army in their seasonal assistance programs, to donate their time volunteering on distribution days as well as donating food, toys and money. “We’re looking for different people and groups to work with us, especially for our Christmas program. We want the community to come together.”
Sign-ups for Thanksgiving will end on Nov. 7 to allow adequate time for distribution on Nov. 17. Christmas sign-ups will end on Dec. 8, with distribution scheduled for Dec. 19-20.
The church’s regular food pantry will continue to be open every second and fourth Tuesday of the month during the holidays. Anyone wishing to apply, donate or volunteer can contact The Salvation Army at 907-874-3753.
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