BANGOR — The Salvation Army has begun making appointments for parents who would like to register their children to be recipients of The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts for children from birth through age 17.
In the first few hours, 22 families called to schedule their appointments.
Those who are looking for help this Christmas should contact the Bangor Citadel Corps for an appointment immediately by calling 941-2990. Registration began on Oct. 28 and is by appointment only.
Each year, The Salvation Army in Bangor assists hundreds of families with toys and food for Christmas. With the struggling economy, cutbacks in food stamps, and the shortage of full-time employment, it is expected that more families will have limited resources to provide the extras such as new toys and a special meal this Christmas.
The goal is for at least 462 families to sign up by Thanksgiving, as those families are more likely to receive the exact items from their children’s wish list because gifts they come from the Angel Tree program.
Families who sign up after Thanksgiving will still receive age-appropriate brand-new gifts, but they may not be the exact items from their children’s wish list, because gifts are received from undesignated donations.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree, which will be located at the Bangor Mall beginning the day after Thanksgiving until the middle of December, allows individuals to shop for an actual child whose family has requested assistance. It is a personalized way of lending a hand to those in need.
Those signing up for assistance should provide proof of residency, documenting their current address. This includes one of the following: a current TANF statement, Social Security statements or a recent utility bill. Families need to be residents of Bangor, Brewer, Exeter, Glenburn, Hermon, Kenduskeag, Levant, Orrington or Veazie.
Parents also need to provide proof of dependents, documenting the children who live with them. This includes one of the following: a current TANF statement, MaineCare ID cards, birth certificates or court papers.
Parents also should bring a wish list for each child with suggestions for one large toy, one small toy, one stocking stuffer, coat size, shoe size, pants size and shirt size.
Those interested helping children and families through The Salvation Army Angel Tree or other Christmas programs may call 941-2990 or email BangorME_NNECorps@use.salvationarmy.org.