TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The holiday season is fast approaching and we continue to see more people and families who need support.
Luckily, the Salvation Army is once again offering Christmas assistance for Lucas County families to have the holiday their loved ones want and deserve. But it will take all of us pitching in to help.
Hundreds of Lucas County residents lined up to register for the Salvation Army’s Christmas assistance program as the organization prepares for increased demand this holiday season.
Shakeyla Collier was among those seeking help for her family.
“I want my niece and nephews happy, I want every family to be happy,” Collier said. “Especially with the shutdown going on, there is a lot going on with that. It is messing up income for everybody. We just couldn’t afford to get a gift for them.”
Major Candy Fritsch with the Salvation Army of Greater Toledo said the need is greater than ever before to help families this holiday season.
“People have to decide, do I pay my rent in electric or do I buy toys for my kids, so we as a community here in Toledo, we can help them with the toys for their children at Christmas time,” Fritsch said.
Lucas County residents can apply for Christmas assistance at the Erie Street location in downtown Toledo from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the rest of this week and on Nov. 10, 12, 13 and 14.
Applicants must bring:
- A government-issued photo ID
- A birth certificate for each child 12 years and younger in their household (a printout from JFS will be accepted)
- Proof of all other household members
- Proof of address
If accepted, toys will be provided for children 12 and under. Families can receive food assistance with Kroger gift cards for kids aged 13 to 18.
The organization gave gifts to 4,000 kids last year. The number of families seeking help has grown in recent weeks.
“I do suspect we’ll have a lot more families this year and people are really struggling and they need that handout to them,” Fritsch said.
Fritsch said community support is crucial as demand increases.
“This year we are expecting a lot more and so we will need more help from our community,” she said.
Collier said the assistance makes a difference for families.
“It is a blessing, the Salvation Army has helped us out a lot. Helps us get the smiles on the kids’ faces, make them happy for Christmas,” she said.
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-11-04 18:19:00
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