How to Get on the Christmas List for the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides much needed assistance to low-income families.

Each year the Salvation Army, an organization dedicated to helping needy and low-income children and families, collects donations from churches, schools, local businesses and community sponsors to provide assistance at Christmas to families. With the help of volunteers, the Salvation Army gathers turkey dinners, clothes, shoes, toys and other much needed items for distribution to individuals and their families. In order to use this service, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and provide proper identification.

Instructions

1. Contact a local Salvation Army office to inquire about registration dates and times for the annual Christmas assistance program. Some Salvation Army agencies host walk-in registrations on specific days and times, while others require an appointment.

2. Ask about the documents you will need to take with you. Most agencies require applicants to provide identification for each household member. A state-issued driver's license, employee ID card or human services ID are acceptable forms of ID for the head of household. Take a birth certificate, health card, shot record or family services print out to verify your children's date of birth.

   You may also need to provide proof of income, so take a copy of your most recent paycheck stub, bank statement or a financial statement from a local human services office.

3. Arrive at the designated facility promptly and with all required documents. Complete the paperwork, including a holiday basket application. Some agencies offer Christmas holiday boxes during the registration period. In other cases the applicants apply for a gift basket for future pick up.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply for Christmas assistance as early as possible. Most agencies provide items on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Some agencies only provide toys to children 12 years old and under.

References

• The Salvation Army in Greater Columbus: Christmas
• The Salvation Army in Greater Columbus: Christmas Cheer

Resources

• The Salvation Army in Greater Columbus: Christmas Cheer Flyer