HRC's Salvation Army Angel Tree Program seeks volunteers, donations

The Hancock Resource Center (HRC), Hope Haven, and the American Red Cross are partnering with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Command of the Salvation Army to bring the Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas program to Hancock County again this year.  Families who need assistance in providing their children with gifts should register with the HRC between October 14-25.  Last year, because of the help of people like you, HRC was able to help 152 families and more than 300 children have a better Christmas. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program is an opportunity for people throughout the county to help local families and children in need during the holidays.  Businesses, offices, organizations, churches, clubs, families, or any group that wishes to participate can request Salvation Army Angel Tree “tags” from the HRC.  Each tag represents the wishes of a real child or youth (toys, clothes, books, hats and gloves). Unlike a toy drive, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program fulfills families’ and children’s specific needs and wishes for the holiday season.  Read WLOX article here.
Three different types of volunteers are needed:
Registration volunteers:
When:  October 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24 from 9:30-4:30
-volunteers need to be comfortable talking to parents and filling out paperwork
-must be available to attend training on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 11:00am or 2:00pm
Organizing and Distributing Toys:
When:  December 9 through 12 from 8:30am to 5pm
-must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift bags of toys
-must be comfortable interacting with the parents to give them the toys
Picking up toys from the store:
When:  on an as-needed basis. When we need you, we will call you!
-would be helpful if you have a pickup truck
If you want to sponsor a tree, here’s how it works: Contact the Hancock Resource Center to request the number of Salvation Army Angel Tree tags that you or your organization wish to fill.  You can display the tags on a Christmas tree, bulletin board, or any visible area.  Or simply distribute the tags to each participant in your organization.   Participants fulfill the request on the tag and bring the item(s) unwrapped to our collection site* with the tag attached no later than December 9th. The HRC and its partners arrange for the families in need to receive their gifts before Christmas.
OTHER TOY OR CASH DONATIONS
If you would prefer to help by dropping off a toy, gift, or multiple toys for the program, bring the unwrapped gift(s) from October 8th - December 5th to the Hancock Resource Center.  You may donate cash or gift cards to the program as well, and HRC staff will purchase items on the tags for the families in need.
Please contact Jane Stock at 228-463-8887 or [email protected] with questions or to register your organization or club or to volunteer to assist with this program.