TOLEDO, Ohio — Even though it's not yet Halloween, The Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio is already preparing to help families in need this Christmas.
The Salvation Army will be accepting applications for Christmas assistance this year starting on Oct. 18.
Right now, thousands of families in Lucas county are faced with not being able to have the perfect holiday for their little ones. The pandemic has made the need for holiday assistance even greater as the past year and a half have been especially hard on families.
"It has been so tough on so many across several months now," Major Duperree with the Salvation Army said. "We're expecting more [applications] based simply upon the numbers we've seen throughout the calendar year. Two years ago, we helped 1,500 families. Last year, we helped 2,700 families, and of those families, there were a total of 11,500 individuals and 9,500 of them being children."
All applications will be submitted virtually to keep families safe due to COVID-19, as well as making the process smooth for both families and the organization; you can go to the Salvation Army's website to apply.
Applicants will be applying for food assistance in the form of a Kroger gift card and for the opportunity to shop for custodial children living in your home under the age of 13.
Toys will be provided for children aged infant through 12 years.
The online application will be available to Lucas County residents from Oct. 18 through the end of the business day on Oct. 25.
Applicants must have a valid email address; only one application per household will be accepted. The process only takes a couple of minutes.
Monies raised from holiday campaign efforts will support a variety of services and programs in the greater Toledo area, which includes five counties: Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Henry, and Fulton.
Although Christmastime has traditionally been the Army’s major fundraising season, the money raised through the iconic red kettle help to provide for families in need all year long. The red kettles will be popping up around our community come November.