This is the busiest and most joyful time of the year for The Salvation Army. As the holidays approach, workers and volunteers are participating in one of the organization’s signature events, the Angel Tree program.
Angel Tree Program
The program first started in 1979 and has grown every year. The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command distributes about 12,000 toys to children in need across our region. Just last week, volunteers and workers distributed 1,800 toys in Montgomery County. About 60 volunteers in the County worked each day over the past few weeks sorting through donations and organizing the toys by age groups. Then they helped distribute the holiday gifts to the children.
Inflation’s Impact on Donations
While toy collections were strong this year, a spokesperson for the Salvation Army said it has not been easy. Kallan Wentworth is the senior major gifts manager on the Salvation Army’s development team in the region. She said inflation has impacted donations.
“Toys are more expensive, especially for older kids. We get less toy donations for the 9-10 and 11-12 year old age groups. That’s why we do things like toy shop where we go out and buy toys just to make sure those kids get a merry Christmas as well,” Wentworth said.
“We understand people our struggling. We really do appreciate the support that people do give to us because the support they’re able to give us is coming straight from the heart,” Wentworth added.
The Angel Tree program gets started each year in July. The Salvation Army reaches out to sponsors who want to provide toys to children or families in need. Then in September and October, families who need toys will register. The Salvation Army then matches its ‘angels’ with its sponsors.
“It is a very big undertaking. But we’re able to do it with the help of our local communities and supporters and all of our wonderful volunteers. So it is truly a community effort, and we couldn’t do it without everyone’s support,” Wentworth said.
Red Kettle Campaign
Another big event this time of year is the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. Many kettlebell ringers stand on sidewalks or outside stores. Often, people do not carry cash on them, and the Salvation Army has changed with the times. Some Red Kettle locations have Tip Tap machines, so people can use their credit card to make a donation just like they would at a grocery store. People also can donate to the Red Kettle campaign online. The kettlebell ringers will stay active through Christmas Eve.
Other Programs
The money raised from the campaign helps fund some of The Salvation Army’s programs it runs throughout the year such as music classes for young people, or providing backpacks and school supplies for those in need. During the summer, The Salvation Army helps sponsor a summer camp in Montgomery County.
“The summer camp is quite wonderful. The program has really grown year after year,” Wentworth said.
Besides its Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army also is working to collect winter coats for people who need them. People who want to make donations can drop them off at one of the Salvation Army’s Family Store and Donation Centers in Rockville or Gaithersburg.
The center accepts clothes, furniture, and other gently used items. People also can donate money.
More Information
For more information on how to donate, or to work as a volunteer, visit the Salvation Army’s website.
