Sign-ups starting for Salvation Army program

Registration starts Monday for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer program, one of the area’s largest holiday- assistance efforts.

The Salvation Army is working hard to get the word out early so that families who need help with toys and food don’t miss the monthlong sign-up window, as happened with some applicants last year.

“What we suspect is that there are lots of people who do not know about Christmas Cheer registration,” said Maj. Debra Ashcraft, area coordinator for central Ohio. “We had calls after we had already distributed.”

Still, the program served nearly 22,000 children and adults.

Many who weren’t prepared for the process probably hadn’t previously sought help, Ashcraft said.

Sudden employment and housing changes can thrust families into the ranks of the newly or temporarily poor, a group that tends to be reluctant or unsure about turning to social- service agencies.

“Oftentimes when you’re first experiencing a hardship — maybe your hours were cut — you really don’t know what you can do,” she said. “You might not know that the Salvation Army can provide toys and food for your family.”

The Angel Tree Toy program provides new toys for children ages 14 and under, and the Red Box food packages are full of everything needed to prepare a traditional holiday meal, including a turkey or chicken. Recipients also receive a family board game.

No appointment is necessary, but applicants must register in person, bring photo identification for the head of the household and proof of dependents with birth dates.

After registration, families are given a time slot during the week before Christmas to go to the state fairgrounds to pick up all of their items.

Applications for the Christmas Cheer program will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and at various times and dates through Nov. 30 at the following Salvation Army locations: 3662 Karl Road, 2300 W. Mound St., 888 Parsons Ave., 966 E. Main St. and 760 Worthington Woods Blvd.

For a complete schedule, go to salvationarmycentralohio. org or call 614-358-2622.

The Salvation Army also needs support for the program, Ashcraft said. “If people want to know how they can help, they can donate new toys. For $50, they can sponsor an entire family’s food for the day.”

Ways to help during the holidays are listed on the website; donors also can mail checks to The Salvation Army Red Box, 966 E. Main St., Columbus, 43215.