Fayetteville Salvation Army Christmas assistance.
Due to the weaker economy, a large number of families in the Fayetteville North Carolina area are seeking help during the holidays, and especially during Christmas. The Salvation Army of Fayetteville is one of the leading non-profit agencies that families can turn to for assistance. There has been a big increase in the number of needy individuals and families seeking help, and they are requesting it through their annual Christmas assistance programs.
While the exact demand does in fact vary each and every year, in past years the agency has received as many as 1,500 applications for the program. This compares to fewer than 1,000 who received help back in the mid 2000s when the economy was stronger. Many of the families who are applying have never asked for any type of public or financial assistance from any program in the past. They are just really struggling from a job loss, higher gas prices, or other unexpected hardships.
The need is just so great during these challenging times. The Fayetteville Salvation Army has also seen the need reflected in the demand for some of their other resources, such as their shelter as well as social service programs. The economy has played a large role in the additional requests.
The Angel Tree program is one of the primary resources available. Each and every year, the Salvation Army selects hundreds of low income families and people who are eligible for toy or food donations. The selected families will then have their first names, along with suggested gifts or clothing items needed, put on Angel Trees at Cross Creek Mall and other businesses starting in November. Then anyone from the local community can pick families off the Angel Trees to "adopt" the children and buy them their needed presents.
In addition to the gift programs, there are a number of other resources offered in Cumberland County. As many people need more help to get by and to provide a joyous holiday for their children. So the Salvation Army provides one or more of the following.
Meals are provided around Christmas. Families can receive Turkey, trimmings, vegetables, and all those special food items that make the holidays special!
While the Fayetteville North Carolina region tends to be more moderate temperature wise, coats or warm winter attire can be provided for children for those cold spells.
Seniors and the homebound can receive free home delivered meals and companionship from volunteers in the community.
In addition to stopping by a local mall to contribute, the Fayetteville Observer publishes lists of Angel Tree families for the public to adopt starting after Thanksgiving. So be on the lookout for this list in your local newspaper. If you can donate an item, or maybe volunteer some time at a Red Kettle, then your time and contribution will make a difference.
The Salvation Army and other local churches and charities always need more people to step up and contribute. This year and every year there is an increasing demand for generous contributions for these children, and that’s the biggest need. So please contribute if you can. Dial (910) 483-8119 for more details.
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