Syracuse Area Salvation Army Encourages Support for Red Kettle Campaign

Another volunteer and donation opportunity is the Angel Tree effort.

“The Salvation Army will provide food, medical, housing, utility assistance and emergency assistance to many people in real need in our community as we’ve done for well over 100 years in America”, Sharron Tinnin, Chairperson said.

The official Angel Tree kickoff is at the Johnson City Mall Thursday night.

Cindy Hoag cited the Tribune-Star as an example for providing 450 food baskets to low-income families right before Christmas.

Last year’s campaign goal was $60,000, but it came up about $10,000 short. “We are off to a great start to our annual Christmas campaigns”.

According to Mrs. Johnson, several people have commented on how early it seems for the bell ringers to be out this year. “Life happens, but we do this for the children”.

Today, according to the organization’s website, the Salvation Army assists more than 4.5 million people in the USA during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army hopes to feed 1,800 families in need this Christmas. There are tags on the tree people can attach to the gifts, detailing whether they’re for a baby, toddler, child, teen, adult, or senior, as well as gender. More than 100 families will receive Christmas baskets, with 391 children in 189 families signed up to receive toys and gifts. “They take angels off of the angel tree, they can’t pass a kettle without putting something in it”.

“We help with various needs throughout the community”, she said. “We would like to be there more often, but we do not have enough volunteers”. In other cases, area businesses may adopt a few.

“It started last school year here in the county”, DeMichael said of the mentoring program.

To donate to The Salvation Army, please drop off or mail your donation to 200 East Stoner Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101 or at The Salvation Army Family Story 147 East Stoner. The deadline to apply for a hamper is December 10.

Also, The Salvation Army serves those in need in 91 other communities through its service units manned by volunteers.

You can also contact the local Salvation Army buy calling them at 812-232-4081. “The heart of ME beats especially strong this time of year”. “I want to thank them for that”.