‘I didn’t know what I would do’: Salvation Army helps Toledo families bring Christmas home

TOLEDO, Ohio — For many families, the holiday season brings more stress than celebration. But the Salvation Army is aiming to change that.

On Tuesday, the organization kicked off its annual Christmas assistance program, offering support to families in need. The line for signups wrapped around the building on Erie Street. 

Toys are available for children 12 and younger; households with children ages 13–18 may apply and will receive food assistance via a Kroger gift card. Applicants must bring a driver’s license, birth certificates for each child, proof of household members and proof of address when they come to sign up. 

“The biggest thing I’ve heard from the families is ‘thank you, thank you. I didn’t know what I would do,’” said Major Candy Fritsch, executive director of the Salvation Army of Greater Toledo and Northwest Ohio. 

The first 500 families in line were also given Thanksgiving baskets, complete with a turkey. 

Last year, the program served 2,100 families and more than 4,000 children. Organizers expect to help even more families this year.

“This time of year, especially this year, this means that I can have Christmas for my kids,” Fritsch said. “Kids don’t understand the financial troubles that parents have or even what’s going on in the economy right now.”

Volunteers say they’re motivated by personal experience. One helper, Nalix Otero, said she once relied on the program herself.

“I was one of those families years ago when I was raising children,” she said. “This was one of the places that assisted my family when I needed it, so I felt like giving back.”

Jason Irwin, a social service aide who began as a volunteer, said he also relates to the families seeking help.

“Growing up, my family didn’t always have the best access to resources,” Irwin said. “So being able to help folks out during the holidays, when I can be fairly comfortable and secure where I’m at, is a big deal.”

Signup continues through Friday and resumes next week, excluding Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. More information can be found on the Salvation Army website here.

Families expressed deep gratitude, saying the assistance makes it possible to give their children a joyful holiday.

“When you see the tears in the parents’ eyes and just the joy that they have — that I get to get something for my child for Christmas — that takes away all the tiredness,” Fritsch said. “It’s worth it in the end.”