Salvation Army to host Christmas distribution of toys, food for those in need
ST. CHARLES, IL (Dec. 16, 2015) - Christmas this year will be brighter for those in need in the St. Charles and surrounding area as The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Joe K. Anderson Community Center will be distributing toys, clothing and food vouchers to pre-registered families on Friday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 19.
Due to the generosity of the community, the Jim Wheeler Toys for Kids drive continues to provide toys for children in need. Besides toy donations, many businesses have donated financial assistance toward the purchase of toys including Meijers.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides opportunities for individuals, families, schools and businesses to adopt "angels" that represent the wish lists of local boys and girls. In support of this program, the local school district as well as Discount Tires adopted angels, according to Lt. Betsy Clark, commanding officer of The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Joe K. Anderson Community Center.
"Over 500 angels were adopted by Discount Tires and we are grateful for their generosity," states Lt. Clark. A projected number of 1,000 families and over 2,000 children is anticipated this year to be served, according to Lt. Clark who states, "We could possibly surpass the number of families and children served over last year."
In 2014, The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Joe K. Anderson Community Center provided:
• 1,149 families with Christmas assistance; including 3,036 individuals;
• 2,334 children with Christmas assistance; including 2,212 number of toys distributed, 2,012 number of coats given and countless books, games, clothes, mittens and hats.
Toy donations
To make a toy donation, please bring unwrapped toys to The Salvation Army, 1710 S. Seventh Ave. in St. Charles, and drop off between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. by Saturday, Dec. 19.
Volunteers for distribution
Volunteers are needed to guide families through distribution. The hours available are Friday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please contact Deanna, volunteer coordinator, at (630) 377-2769, ext. 201.
In 2015, The Salvation Army is celebrating its 150th worldwide anniversary and 130 years of service in Chicago and the Fox Valley area. As one of the largest direct providers of social services in the state of Illinois, The Salvation Army operates more than 20 corps community centers in the Metropolitan division, as well as other facilities in neighborhoods across the greater Chicago area and surrounding counties including the Fox Valley area, offering after-school programs, recreational activities and music education, as well as disaster relief, shelter, meals, child care, senior services and more.