The Salvation Army depends on Christmas volunteers
Until Christmas Day, The Salvation Army needs volunteers as Angel Tree booth attendants, bell ringers and party hosts, along with people to recruit donations of food and personal supplies. (CONTRIBUTED)
HUNTSVILLE – The Salvation Army can change the Christmas season for many people in need … if residents volunteer to help with their time for numerous programs.
Volunteers already have helped to register 3,000 ‘Angels’ during Angel Tree registration.
“Many opportunities are open to volunteer as we depend heavily upon you all to help make the Christmas season brighter for many in our community,” community relations director Lydia Pennington said.
From Nov. 13 through Dec. 9, Angel Tree booths will be open at Parkway Place and Madison Square malls on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (also on Sundays at Parkway Place from 1 to 4 p.m.).
At least one person is needed during these time slots. “You’ll assist those who want to adopt angels and also receive gifts. The booth cannot be left unattended,” Pennington said. To sign up, visit salvationarmyalm.org/huntsville, click “Angel Tree” and follow “How You Can Help.”
Bell ringers for Christmas Red Kettles help The Salvation Army raise funds for essential services year-round. Christmas Kettles are placed at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Star Market, Kroger and Hobby Lobby in Madison County.
Bell ringers are needed 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Saturday from Nov. 13 until Christmas Eve.
A new volunteer opportunity is the Senior Adult Christmas Party on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Speleological Society building on Pulaski Pike. “We’re looking for a group to help host this event by preparing and serving the meal. We have chicken and all the fixings already donated,” Pennington said.
The “Toy Shop,” or Angel Tree distribution center, will be open on Dec. 7-11 and Dec. 14-15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers are welcome for any time length. Distribution Day is Dec. 17, when about 40 volunteers are needed.
“The holidays can be difficult for many, so we make sure to prepare an extra special meal at our community kitchen for hundreds come,” Pennington said. Volunteers are needed to ask businesses and individuals to donate.
For more information, call 256-536-5576, ext. 14; email to salvationarmyvols@gmail.com; or visit salvationarmyalm.org.
