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Updated: 7:09 PM Nov 27, 2009
Charities Struggling as Holidays Approach
The Salvation Army is among many organizations that are in need of more donations this holiday season.
Posted: 7:02 PM Nov 27, 2009Reporter: Carrie Jones Email Address: carrie.jones@wsaz.com |
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3 Comments 
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Programs such as the Angel Tree, Secret Santa and Toys for Tots have been providing children with gifts for years. This holiday season, though, the economy is taking a toll on their donations.
Participants in the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program are up 40 percent from last year. The organization is still far from making sure all of the children get what they asked for.
"We have about 2,000 young people who have been signed up," said Tom Richmond, area commander of the Salvation Army in Charleston. "We have just over 700 that have been adopted. Black Friday has become a day that just like shoppers, charities take advantage of."
Richmond added, "We look at Black Friday as one of those days we can get our message out even more. You're out shopping, you see the deals, pick up an extra toy or clothing for small children."
Each angel comes with their clothing sizes and and a list of three toys they'd like to have. You're not required to buy all three gifts, but they would like each child to have one gift, an entire outfit that's appropriate for school and a pair of shoes.
For years, Harriet Cartmill and her daughter have picked out a Salvation Army angel. Cartmill is also a teacher and -- when she shared her family's giving tradition for her class -- they wanted to take part in it, too.
"I just told them there are a lot of little children out here that won't have Christmas unless we step up and help," she said. "So, they're more than willing to help."
The Secret Santa Program is also facing some issues of its own this year. About 2,200 children are signed up, and there are still 400 kids who need a sponsor. Organizers say their annual golf tournament usually brings in about $18,000, but this year they only got about $2,500.
The Secret Santa program deadline is Monday. If you'd like to help you can call (304) 344- TOYS.
The Angel Tree Program is set up at the Town Center Mall in Charleston on the second floor, just outside of Macy's.
The last day to drop off your items there is Dec. 9.
Latest Comments
I KNOW ALOT DONT LIKE THE PAGANS, BUT IF YOU REALY GOT TO KNOW THEM THEY ARE A BUNCH OF NICE PEOPLE WHO GOES OUT TOF THERE WAY TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED WHEN OTHERS DONT HELP.THEY ALSO ARE A BIG HELP IN HELPING OUT WITH TOYS FOR TOTS AT CHRISTMAS TIME AND THEY BRING IN A LOT TO HELP OUT BUT BECAUSE OF A LOT OF DUM ASSES THEY WONT BE ABLE TO HELP LET THEY LIKE AND ALOT OF KIDS ARE GOING TO MISS OUT ON A LOT. I THINK IT IS VERY SAD.
This is so sad please if you can help a child in need.
Everyone out there...it's rough right now I know, but these charities are such wonderful things. One extra thing in your trip won't hurt you. Also JC Penny is working w/ the Angel Tree program. You can choose your "angel" online by putting in your zip code. You would be helping someone in your area, which is even better! They make it very easy and give you free shipping to your home or even easier, to the drop off center itself. I encourage you...please help those less fortunate. There is always someone out there in the world that could use it and it will make you feel the REAL joy of Christmas.
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