Stark County's Salvation Army chapters start Angel Tree gifts distribution

Benjamin Duer, Canton Repository
·2 min read
Clara Ward, a volunteer with the Alliance Salvation Army, sets out clothing for the organization's annual Christmas distribution.
Clara Ward, a volunteer with the Alliance Salvation Army, sets out clothing for the organization's annual Christmas distribution.

The Salvation Army chapters in Stark County are starting to distribute Christmas gifts for nearly 2,400 area children.

Alliance started Thursday.

Maj. Tara Harrison said the Alliance Salvation Army is helping 450 families with gifts, clothes and food for the holidays. All of them registered for this year's Angel Tree program. Included in the figure was 100 seniors and at least 600 children.

The chapters in Canton and Massillon begin to distribute Monday.

Harrison said each family had appointed times on Thursday and today — the distribution is two days — to pick up their gifts. No children — only adults — were allowed there because none of the toys or clothes were wrapped.

"Families are coming and picking what their kids get for Christmas," she said.

Cathy Harrison, a volunteer with the Alliance Salvation Army, sets out toys for the organization's annual Christmas distribution.
Cathy Harrison, a volunteer with the Alliance Salvation Army, sets out toys for the organization's annual Christmas distribution.

Harrison said they also are helping at least 40 families, including 60 children, who missed the Nov. 22 deadline for Angel Tree gifts. Those families will receive assistance next week, separate from the annual distribution. Harrison said they'll take requests until Dec. 22.

Harrison thanked donors.

All of the holiday assistance, including toys and clothes, came from community and business donations — and a partnership with Toys for Tots.

"I've probably cried tears in the last two weeks every day because of the generosity of this community. They have stepped up and they have supported the mission that we are about and we are going to be able to give children a Christmas," Harrison said.

'I get to see the best in everyone.'

Between Canton and Massillon, those chapters are helping a combined 730 families, including more than 1,500 children, with the holiday. The Minerva service center has approximately 80 families, with 200 children in their program. Gift delivery is prearranged.

"With the economy the way it is and the cost of living just skyrocketing, we love that we can alleviate a little bit of that stress by providing toys and food to families that so desperately need it," said Capt. Allison Hinzman of the Massillon Salvation Army.

She added: "Seeing the parents' faces as they get to pick out the perfect gift for their children is really the highlight of our year."

Maj. Jody Kramer of the Canton Salvation Army said the Christmas season was her favorite because, "I get to see the best in everyone," from donors to recipients.

"It fills me with so much joy and satisfaction knowing that families are not stressing about how they are going to provide Christmas for their children and that children are going to wake up to find presents under the tree," Kramer said.

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Salvation Army chapters in Stark County start Angel Tree distributions