NEWTON, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Families in Newton County who need help this Christmas will get one chance to sign up for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program next week.
The Salvation Army will take applications on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Newton Chamber of Commerce office inside the Newton Depot, 128 S. Main Street. The program serves children ages 12 and younger.
Families must book an appointment ahead of time. To schedule, call 601-483-6156. If no one picks up, leave a voicemail and a staff member will call back.
A long tradition of giving
The Angel Tree program has connected local donors with children in need for 47 years. Donors choose a child’s “angel” and buy gifts from that child’s list. As a result, families who are struggling can still give their children a Christmas morning to remember.
What to bring
The Salvation Army asks applicants to arrive with every required document. Each applicant needs:
- A photo ID
- Social Security cards for every person in the household
- A birth certificate for each child applying (the child must live in the home)
- Legal guardianship papers, if they apply
- Proof of address, such as a lease or mortgage
- A current utility bill
- Proof of household income
- A completed needs and wants list for each child (see below)
Income documents
Applicants can prove income with recent pay stubs or a Social Security, disability or SSI award letter for the current year. A recent bank statement that shows benefit deposits also works.
Other accepted papers include a Mississippi Department of Human Services letter confirming TANF or SNAP benefits, unemployment or workers’ compensation records, and pension, retirement or VA award letters. People who work for themselves can bring last year’s tax return. Proof of child support also counts.
If the household has no income
Families with no income must still bring one document that explains their situation. Options include a Social Security office letter showing a filed or denied claim, or a layoff or termination notice from a former employer.
A filed or denied unemployment claim also qualifies. So does a recent doctor’s statement about the applicant’s health or ability to work. Finally, the person who pays the household’s bills can write a letter that includes a phone number so staff can confirm it.
Complete each child’s list before you arrive
Parents and guardians must finish each child’s list in advance. Staff will not allow families to fill out these lists during the appointment.
For every child, write down their coat, shirt, pants and shoe sizes. In addition, prepare two written lists. The first list covers things the child needs. The second covers things the child wants, and each wish item must cost $40 or less. Bring both completed lists with you on Oct. 13.
Call soon
Registration happens on Oct. 13 only, so time slots may fill quickly. Families should call 601-483-6156 as soon as possible to reserve a spot. The same number also handles general questions about the program.
