The number of families seeking help this Christmas season in the Winfield area has already surpassed the total helped last year – and the number continues to grow.
The Salvation Army has extended the deadline from Dec. 7 to Dec. 12 in an effort to reach families who need food baskets or toys for their children, spokeswoman Janice Sorrell said.
Last year, 85 families in the Winfield area were helped. Ninety applications have been received as of Tuesday. There are 297 people in the 85 families.
“I just know we have a lot of single mothers with their children. The majority of those are working. It’s just that their expenses exceed the amount of their income,” Sorrel said.
This is the first year the Eagle Nest in downtown Winfield has partnered with the Salvation Army. It’s also the first year Amy Wells has helped with the Christmas program.
“It’s been a real eye opener for me,”? she said.
The angel trees at various locations about town originally carried the names of 185 children in need of?Christmas gifts and clothing. The angels carry the child’s age, clothing size and several gift requests.
“Without our help, these kids will wake up to nothing at Christmas,” Wells said. “There are still many, many, many names left on the trees.”
Trees are located in Winfield at Dollar General, the south entrance to Wal-Mart, Graves Drugs and inside the front door at Eagle Nest. Volunteers who shop for a child may leave the purchases at Eagle Nest for the Salvation Army. Someone will even pick up the purchases at the store if necessary, Wells said.
Anyone applying for the angel tree or Christmas food basket program need to provide proof of residence, income and identification for everyone in the household.
Call Wells or Sorrell at 229-8282 if you have additional questions, or stop by the Eagle Nest.
Salvation Army volunteers are also working hard in the Arkansas City area to make sure everyone who needs help receives help. Bell ringers are still needed in the Ark City area as well.
