Salvation Army in Sumter seeks fundraising, toy drive volunteers

December is the month of spreading joy and cheer, but it is also The Salvation Army's busiest time of the year.

From Red Kettle fundraising to its Christmas Assistance program, Sumter's Salvation Army crew stay busy assisting those in need during the holiday season and year 'round.

"This year, The Salvation Army's theme nationally for our Christmas effort is 'Hope Marches On,'" said Lt. Lara Sassano, officer of The Salvation Army in Sumter. "It's been a difficult year for many, and we all are weary - yet the hope of Christmas lives on in the generosity of our community partners and friends."

In early November, The Salvation Army began prepping for its busiest time of the year by kickstarting its Red Kettle Campaign, setting up trees across the community and more.

According to Sassano, the kettle fundraising began on Nov. 8 and will run through Dec. 24. The money raised through this campaign helps support the organization's Christmas efforts and sustain its year 'round assistance programs.

Sassano was proud to share that more Red Kettle locations were added this season, so volunteer ringers can help out individually, as families or groups of any size to assist for a minimum of two hours.

To schedule a time slot at one of the Red Kettle Campaign locations, call (803) 775-9336. Businesses can also sponsor a location for a day or match money.

On top of the Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army began setting up Angel Trees as part of the organization's Christmas Assistance program during Thanksgiving week.

The Christmas Assistance program is a way The Salvation Army makes sure underserved children have a happy holiday season through donated toys, bikes and other gifts. The Angel Trees help this program by hanging tags with children's names and Christmas wishes on them. Those tags can then be pulled off by a donor who provides the gift for that child.

Sassano said applications and interviews for Angel Tree and older adult applicants were conducted in October. Registration is now closed, except for emergency situations.

Angel Trees with tags hanging have been spread out across the community and can be found inside Continental Tire's dining area and WalMart Supercenter's Customer Service area.

Toy and food drives have also been scheduled or held across the community as part of the program.

According to Sassano, Becton Dickinson will host a toy and food drive, Eaton adopted 30 children from the Angel Trees and will participate in "Stuff A Bus" toy drive, Sumter High School's student government will host a toy and fundraising drive, local law enforcement will host "Stuff a Cruiser" toy drives, Thomas Sumter Academy's fourth-grade classes adopted 42 children from the Angel Trees, United Way will host a pajama drive and more.

Sassano said they will need volunteers to assist in The Salvation Army's Christmas warehouse to sort and pack bags, prepare food bags and assist with distribution near the end of the month.