Holiday aid signups begin
The Salvation Army of Yuma County is registering families through Oct. 23 for assistance for Christmas food boxes and toys.
"We've estimated we will be able to assist 1,400 families," Capt. Jonathan Harvey said Tuesday. "That's the reality of the number of families we think we can take care of. We're basing that on what historically we've been able to collect in food and toys."
He expects to see a big influx in struggling families seeking help for the holidays based on the dramatic increase in requests for assistance other programs have experienced in recent months.
"The need is just huge. It's hard. We don't want to turn people away. For many, this will be the only Christmas they get."
Most of the clients coming in are young families, Harvey said. As an indication of the economic downturn's impact, many are seeking assistance for the first time, he noted.
Registration is being taken from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Oct. 23 at The Salvation Army Family Store, 600 W. Catalina Drive.
People coming in are given a time slot so they don't have to stand in line for hours, Harvey said. "We're doing the best we can to help clients quickly, efficiently and with dignity."
Clients must provide the following items when registering:
• Photo ID
• Proof of residency in Yuma County
• Social Security cards for every member of the household
• Proof of all household income, such as recent pay slips.
Food boxes and toys will be distributed to the families Dec. 22-23.
"’Tis the season," Harvey said as he observed the long line of people waiting to register. "This is the first phase of a busy and intense holiday season. But I love the fact I can affect so many people's lives. That's what keeps me going."
Harvey noted that the agency's partnerships help it help others, such as the Yuma Community Food Bank and the Toys for Tots campaign.
But to help these families have a brighter Christmas, the organization also needs the help of the community, he said.
"Get involved. That's the bottom line."
Harvey said donations of food and toys are needed, as are hosts for the agency's Angel Trees, bell ringers for the annual Kettle Drive and volunteers to sort donations and help in other ways through the holiday season. He also issued a reminder that the family store needs donations.
"If a business will host an Angel Tree with tags of children's requests, that would be a great way to help," he said, adding that Angel Trees will start being placed in mid-November.
The Kettle Drive will kick off Nov. 21 with the goal of raising $125,000, he said.
The Salvation Army also is making plans to serve Thanksgiving dinner for 1,000 people this year and will need food donations and volunteers for that effort.
"Last year we served 400," Harvey said. He explained that the number has more than doubled this year because dinner will be served in both Yuma and in Somerton the evening before Thanksgiving.
Donations can be brought to the store. To volunteer, call 783-0181. Financial contributions can be earmarked “Food and Toys” and mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 6227, Yuma AZ 85366.
