Help The Salvation Army Make the Holidays Special For Those In Need

Each year the Salvation Army is paramount in helping those in need especially during the holidays. And they could use your help.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Ashley Smalley, Community Relations and Financial Development Director of Salvation Army for our Texarkana Matter Show. I basically got a whole education on the many great things the agency does for those in need in the Texarkana area during the holidays.

Did you know that November and December are Salvation Army's largest months for collecting and receiving funds. Asheley

That's when we get 80% of our funding which helps a lot of people here in the Texarkana community. Funds benefit the Center Of Hope. It is the only shelter that houses families,

See below the ways you can get involved and help. :

THE ANGEL TREE

The Salvation Army puts new clothes and toys under the trees for 1 million children who usually have to go without Christmas gifts. Anonymous donors adopt these little "angels" in an expanding Christmas tradition that makes the season brighter for both the gift giver and receiver. Drop-off locations include:

• Central Mall
• Legends Gym
• Crocker’s Jewelers
• Townsquare Media Lobby - located at 2324 Arkansas Blvd, Texarkana, AR 71854, 870-772-3771. Open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except 11/27 and 11/28).

RING A BELL

The Salvation Army rings bells outside local stores as part of our largest fundraiser of the year. The Red Kettle Campaign provides food and shelter for the homeless, assists with utilities and medicines for needy families, and supports our Christmas programs for the Central Arkansas area.  Here's how it works: At the beginning of your shift, a Salvation Army representative will meet you on location with the bell, apron, and kettle. The representative will also relieve the team member ringing the last shift in order to collect the kettle and other materials. Please feel free to bring a friend.

Ring a Bell season is November 22 - Christmas Eve. Locations are: Texarkana, New Boston and Ashdown. Ringing hours are 10 AM - 7:30 PM.

For more information call 870-774-2701 (OFFICE) 903-691-7801 (Office Cell).