Salvation Army Lt. Sara Barney hands a toy from one of the tables at the Masonic Lodge. The Salvation Army used the lodge as their distribution point for 190 families this Christmas season.
Hundreds of children will experience presents at Christmas this year because of the efforts of the Salvation Army in Kittanning.
Salvation Army Lt. Sara Barney said the community outreach program has a history in Armstrong County.
“Years and years ago, the Salvation Army wanted to do something for those in need. It started with food, and then toys at Christmas, and has just escalated from there.”
The annual Christmas distribution event was held yesterday at the Masonic Lodge on Route 85, in Rayburn Township.
“Parents came in (in October) and filled out an application and gave us a wish list. From the wish list, we filled out tags and push a wish on it as well as clothing items. The hospital took tags; banks took tags; Rosebud Mining took tags; tags were put up at Walmart; and churches took tags. People then shopped specifically for that child. The tagged present stays unwrapped and is separated into families from the tags. So all the children get at least one thing that they asked for at Christmas, whether it is clothes, toys, or whatever.”
There were thousands of toys of every type and size, including bicycles lined up against one entire wall as the event started yesterday morning.
“When I did the math, the average child leaves here with three to four toys and an outfit. The total value of this room is $45,000 worth of stuff.”
Many groups participated in gathering toys.
“The Ford City Lions and Leo Club brought a bus-full of toys – nearly 1,000 of them. They came with the school bus and we unloaded the school bus here at the Masonic Lodge. ACMH Hospital took over 100 tags. Some companies took less tags, but bought bikes. (The toys) have come from everywhere, all over Armstrong County. People want to give children a Christmas they can remember.”
Barney said they have 190 families on their list, representing 376 children.
“The number of families is less than years prior, but that is because the economy in Armstrong County – the unemployment rate - is at an all-time low. But it’s obvious there is still a need.”
Signups started in October but Barney said that doesn’t mean that help isn’t still available.
“We don’t decline anybody right up until Christmas Eve. I just had someone yesterday from Rural Valley that was referred to us for Christmas. I told her to come today. There is no guarantee what they are going to get, but most of the time children still get something to open on Christmas Day.”
For Barney, who is a mother of five children herself, the collection and distribution event has particular meaning.
“It’s a calling that I can’t even explain, knowing that there are parents out there who try their best, but can’t provide for their family. We realize how humbling it is to come and ask for help for their children. I have had to ask for help in other ways before and have a sense of what others feel. Therefore it brings a perspective to me of those who come today and those who help fill bags and boxes.”
Barney said that as long as Mom or Dad can put a smile on their kid’s face, or even grandparents who are now raising their grandchildren in some families, then it is a Christmas with positive memories.
“We do it with the best grace and example that God would want us to give. We do not judge. We don’t know their past life or current life. It’s not our decision to decide if they can afford toys or not. It’s our position to help them and do what we can.
Toys are a major part of the project, but it doesn’t stop there.
“They get a food bag. We do give turkeys to those who signed up. They also receive $10 food vouchers for Shop-N-Save. We hope that this will at least get them through Christmas Day.”
Barney said the Masons supplied approximately 150 turkeys this year. The Shop-N-Save gift certificate comes through Operation Santa in Greensburg.
“Those who did not pre-register may not get a turkey, but they will receive the $10 food voucher.”
Barney thanked the help of every person who assisted in some way with the project.
“I think it is important to know that this event is not just done through the Salvation Army. The Women’s Auxiliary, local churches, the Masons donated their entire building since the beginning of December - It’s not a one-man show. It is done through a collaboration of efforts and many volunteers.”
To contact the Salvation Army, call 724-543-6622.
This is a photo of only half the room that had thousands of toys in it for distribution yesterday to 190 families.