‘Tis the Season for Volunteering

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Many people revel in the festive atmosphere that surrounds the holiday season and some even go the extra mile to spread good will.

The Salvation Army of Zanesville’s Social Service Coordinator Cari Shoop and Volunteer Coordinator Vanessa Tabler described the importance of holiday season generosity and how their organization spreads the kindness of others.

“So anyone who would be interested in adopting an angel could stop by here at the Salvation Army at 515 Putnam Avenue to pick up an angel or they can also stop by the Colony Square Mall, there’s angels hanging on the tree, I believe it’s near TJ Maxx this year. They can stop and pick up an angel and then the angels will… we ask them to be returned by December 11th just so that we can process them and get them back to the families in time. For a family to adopt an angel, it’s providing Christmas for a child. So it’s really helpful this time of year,” Shoop said.

The Angel Tree program is just one of the charitable efforts the Salvation Army performs throughout the year and all of the programs are funded through the Red Kettle program that stations volunteer bell ringers outside many of the major retail stores during the holiday season.

“We are in need of Red Kettle volunteers. We have several stands closed everyday due to the shortage of volunteers. Bell ringers are so important because we cannot do what we do without them. We have had several stands closed everyday due to shortage and this is how we fund the Salvation Army all year. This is our biggest campaign,” Tabler said.

For more information about the Salvation Army’s programs and how you can donate or volunteer, you can visit their Facebook page.