Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
For 80 years the Salvation Army has made the difference in many homes at Christmas time, ensuring that little eyes see packages under the tree Dec. 25.
Through the Angel Tree program and others, the Army has made the season bright.
This year 250 families have applied for assistance and more are expected to ask for help. Last year 239 families were served.
More than 330 "tags" have been distributed with a child's age, gender and clothing sizes. Collection boxes at Kmart, Biomet, DePuy, Zimmer and Applebee's Restaurant have been generously filled, according to Salvation Army Capt. Audrey Schneider.
The annual Angel Tree program provides new toys and new clothes to children under age 12 and food vouchers at local supermarkets. There is also a program for teen gifts and families.
Sturdy boxes are piled high with colorful toys and stuffed with new clothing in the Army's makeshift distribution room as volunteers check lists twice.
This year the Army has served as a clearinghouse to make sure local charities, already stretched to the limit, are not duplicating efforts.
Layoffs from a number of factories have sent many people, who never dreamed they would need a helping hand, to the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army's Ladies Auxiliary has 65 members and Schneider said they're all active.
In addition to the Christmas time Angel Tree program, they're bell-ringing volunteers and conduct an annual fruit and nut sale.
Schneider said there have been more volunteers than ever this year with the unseasonably warm weather contributing to the spirits of the bell-ringers.
"Businesses, churches, home schools and individuals too numerous to mention have helped this year," Schneider said.
Anyone wanting to help Wednesday through Friday with toy distribution will be more than welcome.
Through the Army's League of Mercy program, close to 500 nursing home residents were given gifts and food earlier this year in Syracuse, Milford and Warsaw.
"There is always a need of food," Schneider said.
And monetary donations.
This year the Army has set a goal of raising $115,000 and has reached 42 percent of that mark.
These funds have to last past the holiday season when the Army helps with food, rent and utility payments throughout the year.
While other Salvation Army stations in northern Indiana struggle to meet the demands of their communities, Schneider said, the people of Warsaw are generous.
And it's that generous disposition that will keep the local Army in service for another eight decades.
