Residents can help Salvation Army with Angel Tree registration

The Salvation Army is calling for volunteers to help with registration of families for Angel Tree gifts. The Angel Tree program supplies thousands of children with clothing and gifts at Christmas. (PHOTO/SALVATION ARMY)

MADISON – Although the calendar just turned to September, the Salvation Army is preparing for its Angel Tree program, which provides clothing and toys to thousands of children who otherwise might not receive anything for Christmas.

“Angel Tree registration is the last week of September, when our clients come and register their children for the program. We need volunteers to make this process possible,” volunteer and special events coordinator Lydia Pennington said.

“The ‘angels’ that fill Christmas trees at our local malls are the children and senior citizens that are registered during this one week,” she said.

Registration at the Salvation Army office, 2114 Oakwood Ave. is scheduled for Sept. 22-26 at 8:30 a.m. Registration will end at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, 24 and 25. To accommodate working parents, the time will extend to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 23 and 26.

“A line forms early in the morning, so volunteers need to arrive by 8:15 a.m.,” Pennington said. Volunteers will take information by computer and paper applications for each child and senior citizen. Each day, registration will require about 15 volunteers.

To volunteer, visit salvationarmyalm.org/huntsville. Click the “Angel Tree” tab and select “How You Can Help.” Then, click “Click here to find out how you can Volunteer!”

In addition, Pennington will sign up volunteers by phone at 256-536-5576, ext. 14.

Volunteers should attend training, particularly for computer use, on Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. or Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. at 2114 Oakwood Ave.

“Bilinguals are highly needed during registration,” Pennington said. “If you are able to assist or know others that can, please email or call me. It would be wonderful to have multiple bilinguals present at all times during the week.”

For more information, email to salvationarmyvols@gmail.com.