Around 90 families are still in need of adoption through the annual Adopt-A-Family program, a partnership of The Salvation Army and the Commonwealth.
“We’re really rooting for the community,” said Sgt. Shyan Hicks, corps administrator for The Salvation Army of Greenwood. “We know we can pull together and reach our goal, but we’re going to need everyone’s support for this.”
The Christmas program, first instituted in 1980, provides amenities such as food, clothing, toys or gifts to families in very low-income households or in emergency situations, seniors or disabled people on fixed incomes.
So far, 258 families have been adopted.
Hicks said it is “a little unnerving” that all of the families have yet to be adopted and that a veteran Salvation Army worker told her that this is the latest into the holiday season that all the families haven’t been adopted.
“This time last year, all of the families were adopted,” she said.
Hicks cited the difficult economy, which has affected Greenwood residents significantly. Also the requested donation was raised from $75 last year to $100 this year, due to the rising costs of the goods provided to the families.
Donations to the Adopt-A-Family program will continue to be accepted until Dec. 23.
The Salvation Army is also still looking for volunteer bell ringers and donations for its kettle campaign. Adopt-A-Family donations can also be turned in at a kettle location, as long as the donors drop off their money and contact information in an envelope.
Otherwise, Hicks said anyone interested in adopting a family, participating as a bell ringer or donating can call 662-455-9679 or visit the office at 214 Mississippi 7 South.
Donations can also be made online at greenwoodkettle.org.
- Contact Kevin Edwards at 662-581-7233 or kedwards@gwcommonwealth.com.
