Salvation Army Seeking Christmas Volunteers

Within a few weeks, staffers at are expecting to help brighten the Christmas of about 4,000 area children.

They, like other excited youngsters, will have gifts under the tree, trinkets to pull out of a stocking and a full hearty holiday meal, thanks to those who donate and assist the Salvation Army.

“Without our volunteers, this would not happen,” said Ashley Adkins, the corps’ volunteer coordinator. “There’s no way it could. They are what make this possible every year.”

While the Salvation Army has a number of Christmas-related programs, its signature event is its Toy Shop, where parents can come and pick out toys for their children, ages newborn to 14.

The gifts are donated through , which partners with area businesses, churches and civic organizations to collect the toys.

There’s Still Time to Sign up for Assistance

As of Friday, there were 3,000 children registered for Christmas assistance this year, Adkins said. But there are hundreds of other families, who could have multiple children in the households, who have an appointment this week. So the total number of children being helped this year could easily surpass 4,000.

“Times are tough and there’s a great need and we’re happy to be here and able to help fill that need,” Adkins said.

While other organizations have income limits to qualify for assistance, the Salvation Army does not.

“We turn no one away,” Adkins said. “We don’t discriminate on who we help. If the family says they have a need, we are here to help. … People lose their jobs right before Christmas. If we looked at what their income level was earlier in the year, that’s not going to tell us what they have coming in right now.”

Appointments for Christmas assistance are being taken through Friday.  Those in need of help are encouraged to call the Salvation Army’s recorded hotline at 734-282-0930, Ext. 112 for information on scheduling an appointment.

In order to qualify, the children must live in one of the following zip codes: 48101, 48122, 48134, 48138, 48146, 48173, 48180, 48183, 48192, 48193, 48195, 48217, 48218 and 48229.

Once an appointment is made, the parent receives a ticket entitling them to a shopping spree at the center’s Toy Shop where toys are sorted by age and gender. Each child is eligible to receive two large toys, one small toy and stocking stuffers.

“Parents are really excited when they walk in and see everything laid out for them to choose from,” Adkins said. “They can shop for what they want, take it home, wrap it and have something under the tree for their child on Christmas morning.”

The family also receives a food box and a Kroger gift card.

The Toy Shop is open for three days, but those with appointments on the last day don’t have to worry.

“We divide out the good toys and keep some in the back so that there’s a fresh supply of good toys each of the three days,” Adkins said. “If you have an appointment on the last days, you aren’t getting the leftovers. There is a nice balance throughout all three days.”

Senior citizens in need who live in the zip codes serviced by the Salvation Army also are eligible to receive a food box and a Kroger gift card.

Volunteers Are Needed Throughout the Holiday Season

Christmastime is one of the busiest at the Salvation Army, Adkins said.

Along with the work comes a sincere need for volunteers, she said.

“There are a lot of projects under way and we’re always looking for people willing to help,” Adkins said.

Assistance is needed with the , , sorting and distributing goods in the Toy Shop, handing out food boxes and making nursing home visitations.

There are volunteer opportunities available for those looking to help out once or those wishing to make a longer commitment, Adkins said. There are daytime and evening opportunities, as well as weekday and weekend availability.

“If you’re willing to give the time, we can always find a great program to pair you with,” Adkins said.

To volunteer, call 734-282-0930, Ext. 100.