Ligonier Salvation Army accepts kids' wish lists, seeks bell-ringers

The Salvation Army last year provided holiday gifts to 180 Ligonier Valley children in financial need.

The need continues this year, and eligible area families who want to make sure their kids ages 13 or younger have something special in their stockings are encouraged to submit wish lists at the local Salvation Army service center by Wednesday .

The service center is open 10 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays at the Christian Church of Waterford, 856 Nature Run Road.

“There is a great level of need,” said Melissa Rosensteel, senior field representative with the Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania. “There’s quite a bit of need for toys. We’re also trying to give them toiletries, socks and sweatshirts — some basic human needs to get them ready for the winter.”

Also known as Treasures for Children, the Ligonier Valley Angel Tree program is open to families from the Ligonier Laughlintown, Rector, Stahlstown, Donegal, Jones Mills, Bolivar, New Florence and Seward ZIP codes, Rosensteel said. She noted families who miss Wednesday’s sign-up deadline may not receive a preferred gift for their child.

Local businesses, churches or organizations that want to shop for Angel Tree gifts, in a recommended price range of $15 to $20, may contact Grace Cairns at 724-689-5934.

The Ligonier Salvation Army center also is seeking volunteer bell-ringers to participate in the annual Red Kettle Campaign Nov. 25 through Dec. 24 at the town’s Giant Eagle supermarket. Volunteers are needed 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and can get involved by calling Marge Burns at 724-238-9384.

“Help with heating fuel in the winter is our number one request,” Rosensteel said.

This year, Ligonier’s Epiphany Anglican Fellowship is helping to get the word out about local Salvation Army holiday efforts, posting information at epiphanyligonier.org, under “Church News.”