Salvation Army shares information on annual Angel Tree program; Children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older qualify based on income level

It's nearing Christmas time again, and The Salvation Army of Sumter has distributed information on its annual Angel Tree program.

Local Salvation Army leader Capt. Rebecca Sullivan and social worker Felicia Blake recently shared the agency's sign-up dates for its Angel Tree program for qualified children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties.

Parents and family relatives who want children to be eligible for the program should know sign-up dates will be weekdays from Oct. 7-18 and by appointment only. Please call The Salvation Army at (803) 775-9336 to set up an appointment. Time slots will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

For children, a parent or family relative is required to bring each child's birth certificate and Social Security card, along with his or her own birth certificate and Social Security card, Blake said. Additionally, the adult should provide a Department of Social Services' assistance print-out, which verifies the child lives in the household. Next, the adult should bring all monthly bills, proof of income and a South Carolina identification card, Blake added.

When the adult comes in, he or she will also complete an application that will include a "wish list," Sullivan said.

All eligible children will receive two new, big toys if the child is not picked by an "angel."

"Adopted angels" may receive more gifts, Blake said.

The Angel Tree distribution program will occur just before Christmas.

Seniors 65 and older should also set up an appointment as well and will receive a personal gift as part of the program. Seniors are advised with their appointment to bring their identification, Social Security card if they have it, and proof of income. In the past, gift items for seniors have included turkeys and gift cards. The gift for this year has not been determined yet, Sullivan said.