Salvation Army Kicks Off Holiday Programs

Last Christmas, the Loudoun County chapter of the Salvation Army's angel tree program provided gifts for about 600 children.

With many county residents out of work this year, the organization has 800 children to serve.

Capt. Janie Criss said some of those asking for help this year have donated a lot to the organization in the past but have now fallen on hard times and need help.

The way that the angel tree program works is that people who want to help the less fortunate adopt an angel. The angel tag the adopter receives has the wants and needs of the child it represents.

These wants and needs can range from toys to coats, boots and other clothing.

After purchasing gifts for their angels, adopters bring the gifts, unwrapped, to the Salvation Army headquarters at 10 Cardinal Park Drive in Leesburg or to wherever their tag specifies. The Salvation Army then prepares the gifts for distribution.

To adopt an angel, look for tags at local retailers, call the Salvation Army at 703-771-3371 or adopt online at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Another big program for the Salvation Army during the holidays is the red kettle program. Beginning Nov. 20, red kettles and bell ringers will be stationed at retailers across the county for people to give donations.

These donations will go toward gifts for those in the angel tree program as well as outreach programs the Salvation Army offers all year like rental assistance for the less fortunate and birthday gifts for people at nursing homes.

This year, the Wal-Marts in Leesburg and Sterling and the Safeway in Middleburg will have special red kettles that take credit/debit cards. That way, even if you don't have cash, you can still donate.

The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers to help with its various programs as well. To offer your time, call the Loudoun office.

“If we didn't have volunteers, there wouldn't be a program,” Criss said.

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