ANGEL TREE
Appointments set to begin next week
The Salvation Army of Hot Springs will begin scheduling appointments for the annual Angel Tree program starting next week, an organization official said in a news release.
“When people come into our office, we ask them why they need our assistance and we get every type of answer imaginable. … If they don’t have this supplemental help, they may not have anything for their children come Christmas,” Captain Stephanie Hargis said in the release.
The official sign up process begins the week of Oct. 14, but Hargis said she encourages families to make an appointment if they wish to participate in the program.
“Due to space and due to the fact that we had some (gifts for Angels) not brought back, we have to limit how many families we sign up,” she said.
Low-income families with children 12 and younger are eligible to participate in the program. On Monday, families may begin scheduling appointments from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday at The
Salvation Army, 115 Crescent Ave.
Applicants must appear in person and provide a photo ID for the head of the household, proof of residence, proof of household income, proof of children, proof the children live at the same residence as the head of the household, and a list of gifts and needs for all children ages 12 and younger living in the home. All gift requests will need to be under $40 in value, the release noted.
“Proof can be anything from birth certificates to documents with the child’s name and date of birth. (However,) Social Security cards will not be accepted,” Hargis said.
Proof the child shares the same address as the head of the household can include documents such as a Medicaid form, report card, shot records, or lease agreements, the release said.
Last Christmas, The Salvation Army delivered 450 bags of gifts for children in the area, but nearly 90 Angels were either never “adopted” or their gifts not returned. Hargis said The Salvation Army uses funds not included in their yearly budget to ensure the “forgotten Angels” still receive gifts.
Hargis noted children may be present to set up an appointment but may not attend at the time of appointment or applicants will not be able to register for assistance.
For more information about the Angel Tree Program, call The Salvation Army at 501-623-1628.