KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Salvation Army ready to help struggling families

Salvation Army ready to help struggling families

This holiday season, you may be buying gifts for someone you don't even know.

Salvation Army "angel trees" are set up at several locations around the Grand Valley. The trees are decorated with paper tags. Each one has a child's name and wish list on it. The tags are for local kids who might not otherwise have presents under the tree.

If you'd like to help, all you need to do is pick out a tag, buy a gift for the child, then return the tag and gift to the Salvation Army.

For the first time this year, some tags on the tree are for older folks. Many of them are low income seniors who live alone and aren't on anyone else's shopping list.

"It can be somebody that we know of, or if the community knows of somebody who might be in need that we can match them up with somebody and fill that need this year," Salvation Army Captain Terrie Wilson explains.

A tree is already set up at Mesa Mall. It is located in the Sears wing. Others will soon be set up at other locations around the area.

The Salvation Army expects to serve between 50 and 100 seniors. Already 500 families have signed children up for the program. Last year this program served 1400 families. They expect 1600 to sign up this year.

In the current economy, the Salvation Army is expecting a jump in demand for all of it's programs.

"We believe there are going to be additional families coming in. But, we also believe that those needs will be met," Captain Wilson says.

This year volunteers will be visiting area nursing homes and giving patients lap blankets. They are also gearing up to serve thousands of people during next week's Thanksgiving Dinner. Volunteers are always appreciated.

For more information about Salvation Army programs or to volunteer, call 242-7513