The Salvation Army Schuylkill Service Center in Tamaqua needs support with its annual Angel Tree program.

Volunteer shoppers can help spread holiday cheer to local children by anonymously purchasing gifts for them. Many Angel Trees are set up at various locations in the area, some which include both Walmart locations in Hometown and Lehighton, the Tamaqua Public Library, Cal’s Tire & Auto Service in Tamaqua and Elks Lodge No. 592 of Tamaqua.

“They go shopping for that child for what they feel comfortable with and what they can afford,” said Rebecca Netznik, regional manager of The Salvation Army Service Extension Department.

“We understand that some people might only afford one gift and that’s fine - we totally accept that and we are so gracious for anything that anybody can do.”

Netznik said 569 children are signed up through the Tamaqua service center, which covers most of Schuylkill County and into Lansford and Nesquehoning.

Shoppers should bring their items back to the Tamaqua service center in an unwrapped Christmas gift bag, which Netznik said will help them with their distribution. Due to current construction and various office hours, it’s best to call before Angel Tree gift drop off, to make sure personnel is available. Gifts should be dropped off between Dec. 6-10. The program is kept confidential between the donors and children.

The gift distribution will be held Dec. 22-23 at Hope & Coffee in Tamaqua. Children and their families will receive specific time slots for pickup.

Additional volunteers are needed to help pack and distribute between Dec. 6-23. Anyone interested can contact caseworker/program facilitator Jael Houser at the Tamaqua office.

For more information, send a message to the Salvation Army Schuylkill Service Center Facebook page, or call 570-668-0410.

Other giveaways

The service center gave away many turkeys and helped over 237 families in Tamaqua across the last two weeks. The organization, partnered with the American Primitive Methodist Church of Tamaqua, will give away hams for Christmas on Dec. 8 at the church from 2-5 p.m. Netznik said through the food pantry partnership with the church, together, both organizations have helped over 800 families.

Since April, Netznik added that the Schuylkill Service Center has given away over $8,000 in direct community assistance.

More volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for kettle ringing during the holiday season.

“If someone rings for two hours, they can raise $200, especially at the Walmart in Lehighton,” Netznik said. “Two hours of your time can help keep someone from the worst moment of your life.”

The Schuylkill Service Center, in Tamaqua, serves 51 of 57 ZIP codes in Schuylkill County.