Friday, 13 November 2009 17:17 Last Updated on Friday, 13 November 2009 17:59 Written by Nick

Record Breaking Number of families Register with The Salvation Army for Holiday Assistance

(FORT MYERS, FLORIDA) October 28, 2009 — The Salvation Army set an all-time record today with the number of families registering for the 2009 Christmas Cheer program. Registration began on Wednesday, October 28, staff and volunteers registered 673 families for the day. Of the registered families, over 40% have never registered with The Salvation Army before.

“The first family was here at 4:30am waiting in line. This speaks volumes,” said Major Art Penhale of The Salvation Army. “The downturn in our local and national economy, the 12% unemployment and the high cost of living has really effected our community, people are struggling.” Penhale went on to say that The Salvation Army expects large crowds each day of registration.

The remaining registration location dates and times and requirements are as follows:

Thursday October 29 9:00am -Noon Friday October 30 9:00am – Noon
Thursday November 5 9:00am.-Noon and
Thursday November 5 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday November 6 9:00am – Noon
Saturday November 7 9:00am – Noon

Salvation Army 2009 Christmas Cheer Registration increase

Location

The Salvation Army
10291 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
(239) 278-1551

What to Bring

Applications will not be taken without the items below:

1. Adults: Valid Florida driver’s license or Lee County picture ID and Social Security card

2. Children: Social Security cards or Birth certificates for each child.

3. Proof of: Income and Benefits

How you can help:
• volunteer to bell ring – over 70 sites available throughout Lee County
• donate food items: frozen turkeys, instant potatoes, stuffing mixes, canned green beans
• sponsor a kettle –
• volunteer as Toy Shop Helper

For registration information, or to volunteer to assist with applications or holiday bell ringing, contact The Salvation Army’s offices at (239) 278-1551.

Christmas Cheer program accepting applications soon from those in need

The Salvation Army of Lee and Hendry counties will soon accept applications for its Christmas Cheer program, which helps needy families during the holiday season by distributing toys and food.

Last year 40,000 gifts were provided to children in Lee and Hendry, and 4,770 homes received food. With the economic downturn expected to continue through the end of the year, the Salvation Army’s Jacqui Williams said the organization expects more families than ever to sign up for the program.

“We’re expecting a lot more families this year — needs are up across the board,” she said. “We’re really relying on the community and our business partners to help us.”

The Salvation Army relies heavily on its partners to help make the Christmas Cheer program work. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, United State Postal Workers, area media outlets and retail businesses all pitch in to make the program happen. Williams said all families who request help will receive it.

Beginning Oct. 28, registration opens and continues through Nov. 23. The Salvation Army will also ramp up its red kettle campaign soon as that effort helps to fund the Christmas Cheer program, among others. They will search for volunteers for the red kettle campaign, but Williams said that some paid positions will be available. “Our volunteers are not paid, but we do have some Christmas employment opportunities coming up,” she said.

To sign up for the Christmas Cheer program:

• all families must submit an application.
• For adults, a valid Florida driver’s license and Social Security card are required, as well as proof of income and benefits.
• For children, a Social Security card or birth certificate is required. The registration location is at 10291 McGregor Blvd., in Fort Myers.

Registration times are:

• Oct 28-30, 9 a.m.-noon;
• Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-noon and 5-8 p.m.;
• Nov 6-7, 9 a.m.-noon; and
• Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon.

For more information, call 278-1551.