Applications for Christmas assistance open soon

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The annual Salvation Army program that helps families during the holidays is getting ready to begin accepting applications for assistance in Mahoning County.

Registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. and will close Thursday, Oct. 31.

You can register online at www.SAangeltree.org . Questions can be directed to the Salvation Army office at 330-270-5999.

Applicants must provide the following information:

• Valid Driver’s License or State ID
• One of the following for all children in the household
  a. Birth certificate OR
  b. Proof of Guardianship OR
  c. Custody Papers
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID for all adults in the household
• ONE of the following to verify income
  a. Paystub for last 30 days with YTD income listed OR
  b. ODJFS printout dated within the last 30 days OR
  c. SSI/SSD award letter
• ONE of the following to verify residency
  a. Rent or lease agreement OR
• b. Utility statement dated within the last 30 days OR
• c. Mortgage statement

Last year, the Salvation Army provided toys and gifts to over 1,655 children throughout Mahoning County.

“With the economy and the inflation and everything this year, we have a feeling it’s going to be even higher. We are only one of a few agencies doing this, so we do checking with the other agencies to try not to duplicate. If our numbers are going up, so are other places,” said Major Paul Moore with the Salvation Army.

Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report.

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