Finding Solutions: Aiken Salvation Army gathers gifts for hundreds
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -Wednesday marks one week until Christmas and the Salvation Army of Aiken is making sure no child goes without.
On Tuesday, we got a behind-the-scenes look at their Angel Tree operation where they’re finding solutions in providing gifts to more than 650 families.
Captain Michael Good with the Salvation Army of Aiken knows all too well what’s it like to receive gifts through the Angel Tree program.
“My wife and I are former Angel Tree children,” said Good. “For years our parents who struggled to make ends meet were able to go to the Salvation Army to receive assistance.”
Good says they’re providing Christmas to 3,000 kids, seniors and adults with disabilities in Aiken County.
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“The children that were on our list were children living in poverty, in foster care, in our homeless shelter, children that came through incarcerated parents programs and so what we’ve also seen this year is the need grow,” said Good. “We had 800 more individuals on our list compared to last year and it was directly linked to Hurricane Helene.”
He says for 18 years they have partnered with Toys for Tots to help expand their reach.
“I just want to thank the Marine Corps League and Salvation Army Volunteers, all the people who donate to us, and remind them if they know someone who needs some help, call us.,” said Joel Williams, Toys for Tots Aiken County coordinator.
The program is being run out of a location owned by Aiken Regional Medical Center.
The Salvation Army spent months searching for a place to use and now they have one.
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The Community Ministry of North Augusta is calling on you to pay them a visit at their thrift store.
Donors and sponsors were able to come get a tour and learn the story behind the Angel Tree.
“A lot of people have been hit hard and parents including working parents were not able to get out to afford gifts for their children for Christmas, so I think this was a great gesture to give back to all the people in need,” said Tiffany Quattlebaum, a donor.
As Christmas approaches--families will soon have those gifts to put under the tree.
“For a child living in poverty every single day of the year, they should be able to wake up Christmas morning and experience the same Christmas joy that every child should have,” said Good.
Families will be receiving those gifts starting Wednesday.
As we head into the new year and you are in need of any kind of assistance, you can visit the Salvation Army’s website here.
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