Last application day for Rowan Christmas Bureau is Saturday

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The last day to apply for Christmas help through the Salvation Army, Christmas Happiness and other programs is coming up this Saturday.

The Rowan County Christmas Bureau will be taking applications from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the J.F. Hurley YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. W.

The bureau takes applications for the Salvation Army Angel Tree, the Salisbury Post’s Christmas Happiness Fund, Toys for Tots, Operation Santa and Project Santa. The programs offer toys, food, clothing or vouchers for children’s gifts. The items will be distributed later this month.

Applicants should bring:

• An ID or driver’s license

• W-7 for each member of the household

• If ID is expired, a lease and utility bill

• Medicaid card

• Birth certificates for children 12 and under

• Proof of all income and expenses

• Unemployment

• Custody papers, if guardian

During two application days held in November, 447 families with 1,037 children applied for Christmas assistance through the bureau, according to Bob Lippard, executive director of the United Way of Rowan County. The United Way coordinates the Christmas Bureau, working with volunteers.

Volunteers are still needed to help with the application process Saturday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. Training will be held at 12:30 p.m.  To volunteer, call the United Way at 704-704-633-1802.

To find out more about applying for help, call 211.