By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Thanks to Salvation Army donors, volunteers and staff, more than 800 Rowan County children will now have full stockings and stomachs this Christmas.
The Salvation Army of Rowan County gave away more than 500 bags of toys, clothing and food Thursday to local families in need.
Volunteers carried toy trucks, baby dolls, bicycles, game systems and other gifts to the recipients’ vehicles as they drove up to High Rock Church.
Capt. Jason Smith said each family also received a food box — donated by Supply One in Rockwell — filled with ham, chicken and other trimmings for a full Christmas dinner.
“We try our best to meet the needs of our community, and I think we’ve done the best we can this year,” Smith said. “Everybody who applied and was approved was provided for. Nobody who applied went without.”
In October and November, the Salvation Army took applications from families needing assistance during the holidays, Smith said. Those who were approved on the basis of income were entered into the organization’s Angel Tree program.
This month, Christmas trees at various businesses and churches throughout Rowan County displayed the wishes of hundreds of families.
Community members helped buy the gifts, and as December neared its end, the Salvation Army took care of any angels still left on the trees. The organization also bought the meat given out in the food boxes.
St. John’s Lutheran Church and Sheetz both held parties for their Angel Tree recipients this week, Smith said.
For the rest, a total of 125 volunteers helped to prepare the bulging gift bags and distribute them at Thursday’s event.
“This just couldn’t take place without the support of the people in our county,” Smith said. “By giving to our red kettle in front of different merchants throughout the county, including the last days we have left, they really help offset the cost of Christmas. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.
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