Christmas Program Sign Ups at the Salvation Army

ZANESVILLE, OH – It may not feel like Christmas just yet, but the Salvation Army is preparing for a busy season ahead.

Every year around the holidays, the Salvation Army hosts programs like their Angel Tree, Coats for Kids, and food basket distributions to help alleviate some financial stress.

Ellen Dearfield, who works in the Salvation Army’s Front Office, says there are many people in our area that are struggling to make ends meet everyday.

“There’s such a dire need in our community, there really is, there is just not enough resources for our population and income level.” Dearfield said. “There’s so many people in this community living in poverty and we just try to relieve that whenever we can.”

Sign ups for programs like the Angel Tree and Coats for Kids got underway this week and will continue through next Friday, September 13th.

Vanessa Tabler, the Social Services Coordinator, says these programs wouldn’t be possible without the community’s support and generosity.

She says seeing people receive something they truly need, especially around the holidays, makes all the hard work mean something.

“There’s lots of children that would go without.” Tabler said. “And if we can be the people that help them have a smile on their face on Christmas morning is amazing.”

If you’d like to sign up for any of the programs the Salvation Army has to offer you can do so by stopping in their building or calling 740-452-8350.