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By Clark Curtis for the Washington Daily News

The last three months of each year are critical to the fundraising efforts of the Salvation Army, as 60% to 70% of the funds raised for the entire year occur between October and December. These funds are used to support its efforts during the holidays, but also its work with families throughout the year.

“Our end of the year fundraising push, particularly through our more visible red kettles, affords us the opportunity to provide new toys to the children and food boxes to their families and seniors during the holidays,” said interim commander, Major Vic Tidman. “But the money raised this time of the year also helps to support our efforts to provide food, rental and utilities assistance, the purchase of medicine, and common everyday emergencies that might come up for those most in need. Eighty-seven cents out of every dollar raised goes directly to individuals who need help.”

Tidman said this year they anticipate the Salvation Army will provide toys and gifts to over 450 children and food boxes to well over 400 families and seniors in need. “Each family has been vetted and screened by one of our social workers,” said Tidman. “People have to be in a poverty situation in order for us to help them. The amount of help is based on their personal needs and the size of the families.”

This year red kettles have been placed at Walmart, Food Lion, Walgreens, and Belk. And all, as Tidman pointed out, are staffed by volunteers. “For the first time all ringers at the kettles are volunteers and not paid employees. So volunteers are one of our biggest needs right now. It can be individuals or groups. If no one happens to be at a kettle it simply means there are no volunteers available. We are urging those who would like to volunteer a portion of their time to reach out directly to our kettle coordinator at 252-644-6304.”

Tidman said Angel Trees will also be up once again this year at the Walmart store. “People can get an angel from the tree and shop for a child in need,” said Tidman. “And we promise that whatever they get will go to that child. There will also be times when we augment that gift depending on the circumstances. There are specific instructions on the back of each Angel as to where the gifts should be dropped off.”

In addition to financial donations, the Salvation Army welcomes food donations, fresh or frozen, new and used toys, and clothing. “We always have a need for food to support our work through the year,” said Tidman. “Right now our freezers are pretty bare, so we could really use some meat. New toys and clothing which still have their tags on them will be used for gifts to the children at Christmas. Any used items we receive will be placed for sale in our Thrift Store at 112 E. 7th St.”

This year the distribution of gifts for the children and family food boxes will take place on December 20 at the Nazarene Church on 20th St. in Plymouth. And locally on December 22, at the storefront of what used to be the Salvation Army Thrift Store next to the Food Lion in Chocowinity.