The Columbus Salvation Army and the two Columbus Walmarts are joining together for a toy/gift drive for the outreach from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at each entrance for the retailers.
The locations are at 735 Whitfield Drive and at 2025 Merchant Mile. Volunteer bell ringers with Salvation Army kettles will be in the front. This will be the only day the kettles will be at Walmart until Nov. 29 when the Red Kettle Campaign is in full force, according to organizers.
Walmart shoppers will receive a list of toys and other gifts that are most often requested by families enrolled in the local Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas assistance program. Shoppers will then be able to shop for these items and drop them off in specially marked boxes in front of the stores.
Capt. Amy Tompkins, the leader of the local ministry, said toys especially are needed for young people ages 12 to 15.
“We understand that a lot of people often really like to buy for the little ones,” Tompkins said.
Walmart last joined with the local Salvation Army for a successful fill-the-bus drive for school supplies in August.
People’s item donations can include bicycles, clothing, books, games, and more, according to organizers.
Each year, the local Salvation Army Angel Tree drive distributes gifts to hundreds of needy children and teens. It functions aside other, similar local programs such as Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center’s Angels of Love program, one of the largest gift-distributing programs, and the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.
