The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and Food Room Passes Out Angel Gifts and Food

MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio- The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary passed out the gifts from the Angel Tree Wednesday along with food that was passed out by the Zanesville Food Room.

There were over 700 kids who received Christmas gifts from the Angel Tree that were donated by the community. 

Families were able to pick up their angel gifts in front of the Salvation Army and then also drive to the back to receive food.

“Well, I’ve done this for the last, five, six or seven years and it’s always been a good experience. It’s a lot of work. We lift a lot of heavy stuff, but that’s why we bring the young people in to do the lifting and it’s always been that the people that come and we can load their car up with food and toys and everything, they’re always appreciative. We haven’t had anybody say, ‘well, that doesn’t look like enough to me.’ No, they’re always appreciative and it is a good feeling,” Susan Stotts, Chairman of the Food Room stated.

The food that was offered were vegetables, apples, peaches, pears, a turkey and a ham, and much more that can assist with the families Christmas day.

Two volunteers from Mideast Career and Technology Center, Emma Clark and Brooklyn Carouthers, shared their experience and what made them want to come out to help.

“This is actually my first time volunteering, but it really just humbles me,” Clark said. “It makes me feel super blessed that I can actually give back to my community and it makes me feel very grateful for what I do have.”

Carouthers added that the time spent at the Salvation Army also gives her a chance to appreciate life more, while having fun with amazing people.

“It’s so fun to give back and everyone is so nice, and they are so grateful so it’s just really good to just be a part of something so important,” says Carouthers.

Stotts said partnering with the Women’s Auxiliary to get the toys and food passed out to the community is one of her favorite parts of the year.