Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center Director, Erica Ward, invites local families to register for Christmas assistance. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Local families needing assistance with Christmas gifts this holiday season can find generous help at the Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center this holiday season, but they need to plan now. The service center has changed its registration process for the 2024 Christmas Assistance Program. This year, registration is only open for two weeks. Families can only register during the following times:

• Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 22-25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed for lunch
• Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 29 – Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed for lunch

Applications close at 3 p.m. on Nov. 1.

“They can request an appointment with us or register online,” said Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center Director, Erica Ward. “You can upload the

documents on our website or through our QR code on our Facebook page or the Holiday Bureau Application.”

Registration for this year’s Salvation Army 2024 Christmas Assistance Program is only open for two weeks. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Applicants can get started on the process at www.saangeltree.org. Applicants must have a government issued ID or drivers license; birth certificates for all children ages 12 and under (a printout from Jobs and Family Services is sufficient); and proof of address for each household member.

There are no income requirements to participate.

To schedule an application appointment, call the service center at 419-732-2769. The Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center is located at 1834 E. Perry St. in Port Clinton.

The Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center served 673 children and 247 families last year.

“We expect about the same numbers this year,” Ward said.

Ward will need donations to meet those needs. The annual Toys for Tots toy drive will begin on Nov. 15. Donations of unwrapped, new toys can be placed in Toys for Tots boxes around the county.

The Red Kettle campaign will begin the day after Thanksgiving. Anyone interested in being a bellringer should call the service center office at 419-732-2769.