SAN ANTONIO -- If you are going to need assistance getting through the holiday season, The Salvation Army wants to help.
Today, they started taking applications for their Christmas Assistance Program. The program helps low income families get Christmas gifts for their children. When families are accepted, the Salvation Army will place the children's first name on an Angel Tree tag, including their age, gender, clothing sizes, their wish and their need. These trees will then be placed at area malls and participating businesses, where individuals can choose a tag and donate.
If you're interested in applying, the Salvation Army says to act fast. Applications for the program are only being accepted during the first two weeks of October and last year, they helped fulfill 6,000 wishes. The need for this year could be even greater, according to the organization.
"These are children that wouldn't necessarily receive Christmas gifts because the recession has hit so hard," says Tracey Czajkowski, Associate Commander of the Salvation Army. "The parents are spending the money they have on food and necessities. They're going to have to put Christmas on the back burner, so we're trying to make Christmas brighter for all of the children in San Antonio."
To qualify, applicants must bring a photo ID, social security cards for all who live in the household, proof of income and expenses, and the children's birth certificates. Gifts are only allowed for children ages 1 month to 11-years-old.
Volunteers are also needed for the Salvation Army to help with data entry, their food pantry, and social services. For more information on the Salvation Army, visit
www.salvationarmysatx.org.
Registration Dates:October 1 - 5: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
October 8 - 12:9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
October 13:9 a.m. - noon
Location:San Antonio Metropoliation Area Command
521 W. Elmira Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 352 - 2000
