The Salvation Army is running a toy drive this year for 6,250 qualified families in need -- which is a 10 percent increase from previous years. That number translates into over 14,700 children who otherwise wouldn’t receive presents this Christmas.
More families are in need this holiday season and the Salvation Army is doing their best to help them out.
Each child will receive at least two toys from the Salvation Army, amounting into 40,000 gifts the Salvation Army will need to collect and distribute.
The deadline to register as a recipient was last Saturday, November 20. Families were required to show proof of residency, proof of income, and proof that their children were enrolled in school.
There has been a big increase in the number of families in need this year. This concerns the Salvation Army because they have received fewer donations nationwide this year.
“We are committed to making sure every child has a joyous Christmas. We count on donors, and each year we kind of just hold our breath to make sure we’ll have enough gifts to distribute. It’s always nerve wrecking,” said Suzi Woodruff Lacey, a spokesperson for the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army has set up various locations where people can make a contribution.
There are Angel Trees located in shopping malls where people can take a tag, which has a child’s wish list written on it, and make a wish come true.
People can also donate money to bell ringers with red kettles, located at shopping centers and outside of grocery stores. Red kettle is also online here.
For the first time ever, the Salvation Army has set up a text-to-give system, where people can text GIVE to 85944 to make a $10 donation.
Toys will be delivered to the Salvation Army Toy and Joy Shop, where registered families can come in to select toys for their children starting mid-December. The families will also receive a Christmas food basket, which includes food and gift cards for a holiday meal.
