It might be hard to believe, but Christmas is rapidly approaching, and the Salvation Army is getting ready for a busy holiday season.
Nicole Greenland and her husband Sheldon are Lieutenants for the Salvation Army out of Monongalia, Marion and Preston counties. Saturday, they started the holiday season with their Christmas Kettle and Angel Tree Kick-Off at the Morgantown Mall.
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree allows donors to help those in need by supplying clothing and toys for children. Angel Trees are decorated with tags with the name of the child, age and gender so gifts can be provided to them for the holidays.
Throughout the holiday season, bell ringers are often seen outside stores with their red kettle. This money goes back into helping those in the community.
Nicole said the kickoff is to let the people of Morgantown and West Virginia know that the bells and buckets will be out. The major fundraiser for the Salvation Army helps them do things like send kids to summer camp and feed the needy.
“Last year was actually our first time here at the mall, so it’s beginning to be kind of a tradition where now they know that during this time, we will be here for the kickoff,” she said.
Even though West Virginia University was playing a football game Saturday, Nicole said the community was very responsive to the kickoff.
“People still come out to the mall and they’re able to see what we do and also support us for the rest of the Christmas season,” she said.
Nicole thanked those who give to the Salvation Army. She said donors should know the money that is raised throughout the year in the community stays here in the community.
“We are looking forward to a great season this year,” she said.
She said if someone wants to be involved with the Salvation Army and wants to volunteer, they should contact their local office or stop in at 1264 University Ave. Bell ringers, Angel Tree volunteers as well as people to work in the soup kitchen are always appreciated.
“We don’t stop feeding people during Christmas time,” she said.
Nicole said it’s very awesome to be able to help those in need during the holidays.
“It brings me great joy to know that we can depend on the people here in Morgantown to raise the funds that we need to meet the needs,” she said.
