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Released 7 December 2009
The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command held its annual Ribbon Cutting event today to celebrate and thank its 2009 Christmas Depot partners.
Thanks to the generous support of Mini Price Self Storage, Operation Blessing, United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and The Joy Fund, The Salvation Army is poised to begin Christmas distribution on December 14 at 9:00 a.m. and serve more than 45,500 individuals in Hampton Roads communities this Christmas season. Food and decorations at the ribbon cutting were provided by Farm Fresh and Black Angus Restaurant, entertainment was provided by the Corporate Landing Middle School Orchestra.
The Christmas Depot, Mini Price Self Storage Warehouse at 4725 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach will see roughly 1,200 guests a day seeking toys, clothing, and food.
Through it’s partnerships with The Joy Fund and the USMC’s Toys for Tots and generous donations from Operation Blessing, The Salvation Army is able to provide more than 19,000 children with toys this Christmas and more than 8,000 families with food. The Salvation Army’s partnership with WVEC-TV 13 for Angel Tree will help provide clothing and apparel to the children registered for Christmas assistance.
“Our generous partners, sponsors, and donors have really come through and provided great support to those less fortunate in our community,” said Major Lewis Reckline, of The Salvation, “People have donated stockings, volunteered at the Depot, supported Angel Tree, etc. Times are tough, need is up and resources are down this year so their support has really made a difference.”
Locally, The Salvation Army has seen approximately a three percent increase in families requesting Christmas assistance, the increase was five percent from 2007 to 2008; the total increase across all of Hampton Roads is approximately ten percent. During distribution, The Salvation Army will serve approximately 55 families every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m. and closing at 4:00 p.m.
Distribution to registered families and individuals will run from December 14 through Monday, December 21 from the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Depot will be closed on Sunday, December 20.
To volunteer before or during Christmas distribution or to make a donation to the Online Red Kettle, visit salarmyhr.org.