FILL THE TRUCK

Salvation Army holding toy, clothing drive today

Walmart is teaming up with The Salvation Army for “Fill the Truck” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at all local Walmart stores.

People are asked to help fill the truck with new, unwrapped

toys, clothes and coats for boys and girls during this one-day event. Donations will be used to provide children in this community who are signed up for the Angel Tree program with a gift for Christmas.

The influx of gifts is muchneeded, Angel Tree organizers say.

“Right now with the Angel Tree, we are way, way behind, so we’re hoping this is going to fill in some of the gaps of what we’re short,” said Lt. Lacy Parrish, Salvation Army co-director. “We’re two weeks away and we’re not even halfway there.”

The Salvation Army has more than 1,400 children who are signed up to receive gifts through the Angel Tree program.

“So far there are still a lot of angels that haven’t even been picked up and adopted,” Parrish said. “We’re hoping this event helps remind the public of our need and it gives them an opportunity to help, even if they don’t have time to pick up and angel.”

The community’s support is vital in making operation Angel Tree a success.

“Without the support of the community many of them wouldn’t have anything for Christmas,” Parrish said. Any help is appreciated. “Right now we’re in need of everything ... A lot of kids have listed practical items on their wish list like coats, winter clothes or they ask for board games or hand-held games, that kind of thing. Something as simple as a basketball is a good gift,” Parrish said.

Gifts for the Angel Tree program need to be turned in by Dec. 13.

For more information about the programs and services of The Salvation Army, call 870774-2701.