By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — This Saturday is guaranteed to be a busy day at the Hurley Family YMCA with the possibility of long lines on the horizon. It will be the final day the Christmas Bureau program will accept applications for area holiday gift programs.

The five programs under the Bureau are the Salvation Army Angel Tree; the Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund; the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots; Operation Santa, a program of the Arc of Rowan and Project Santa, a Denton area program.

The applications will determine which program families qualify for and each individual program will handle its own distribution.

Each organization has its own criteria and requirements.

“This will be the last chance to receive assistance,” said Jackie Harris, resource development and marketing director for the United Way of Rowan.

The United Way was instrumental in bringing all of the organizations together and coordinates the Bureau. Applications will be taken from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.

Only the parent or legal guardian of a child may apply. All applicants must have identification and documentation for all of the children for whom the application is being sought.

Applicants should bring the following:
• ID/Driver’s License
• W-7 for each member of household
• If ID is expired, need a recent lease & utility bill
• Medicaid card
• Birth certificates for children 12 & under
• Proof of all income and expenses
• Unemployment
• Custody papers, if guardian

Harris said it’s important parents or guardians bring all of the information needed for the application process because it makes the application process easier.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.