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Salvation Army still in need of help for Christmas

ANGEL TREE ITEMS — Lt. Cols. Mark and Alice Bell look at some of the bicycles and toys purchased as part of this year’s Salvation Army Angel Tree campaign. Contributions for the Angel Tree are due to the Salvation Army by Tuesday, and the Bells said several angels still are in need of adoption. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Christmas is fast approaching, and the Salvation Army is reaching out to the community to help make the holiday a little brighter for some local families.

Each holiday season, in addition to food distributions and other services, the Salvation Army works to collect money, toys and other donations for area families who might not have much to celebrate Christmas.

As of Thursday, there were 292 families registered for assistance at the Weirton Corps. offices, and 225 in Wellsburg, with expectations of more.

“They’re still coming in,” Lt. Col. Mark Bell explained.

One of the programs held each year is the Angel Tree. Of the registered families, there are 532 children, up to age 12, for whom the Salvation Army is seeking donations of toys, clothing and other necessities.

“The goal is to fill the room up,” Bell said, standing inside the fellowship hall of the Salvation Army’s Quonset Hut in Weirton.

Angel Trees have been placed at 35 locations in Hancock and Brooke counties, according to Lt. Col. Alice Bell, including Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, United Bank, Mountaineer Casino, Hancock County Savings Bank, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, several area churches and other businesses.

The deadline to purchase and drop off Angel Tree donations to the Salvation Army is Tuesday, and Bell noted there are still 75 angels to be adopted through the program. At approximately $60 per child, it would be up to the Salvation Army to fill whatever requests are not met through donations from the public.

Collection of donations from businesses will be scheduled, and the Salvation Army’s administrative building at 794 Cove Road will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to accept contributions from individuals returning their Angel Tree gifts.

This year, the Salvation Army has purchased stockings, filled with various items, to be given to all angels.

“Each child will receive one,” Lt. Col. Alice Bell said.

The search also continues for volunteer bell ringers to assist with this year’s kettle campaign. Those interested in volunteering are asked to call Rebecca Bell at (304) 748-4310.

The Bells have estimated it will cost $12,450 to cover food for Weirton and $10,000 for Brooke County.

Christmas distribution will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 19 and 20, and 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 21. Families will receive food boxes with a turkey and other food items, with children receiving Angel Tree items.

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