Sign-ups for the annual Christmas Food and Angel Tree programs by The Salvation Army and Jacksonville Food Center will begin next week. Registration is open until 9:30AM Tuesday and will continue until 3:30 that afternoon. Another registration will also happen on Thursday and Friday at the same time. Registration will also be held on the following week on November 5th, 7th, and 8th.
Each year, The Salvation Army provides an opportunity for income-eligible families to receive a Christmas food basket and those with children can receive gifts through its Angel Tree program. All income-eligible families living in the county are welcome to sign up to the program. One must bring proof for each member of the household including proof of residence for the last 30 days, birth dates, social security cards (no copies will be accepted), and gross household income from the past 30 days.
The Christmas food basket program is a joint effort by the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center, MCS Community Services and The Salvation Army. In the past, the food basket has included non-perishable food items, fresh fruits and vegetables and bakery goods donated by Walmart, County Market and Aldi. It also has included vouchers to buy meat and perishable food items. Clubs have also donated items for the baskets in the past. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program involves Christmas trees being decorated with tags bearing the names of children and the gifts they hope to receive. Those wishing to sponsor a child take the tag, buy the gift, and take the gift to The Salvation Army so it can be distributed to parents in time for Christmas.
For more information or to sign up, visit the Salvation Army at 331 West Douglas Avenue or call 245-7124.