THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Captains Derrick and Odessa Smith, husband and wife team with The Salvation Army of Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss the ministry’s holiday events.

Angel Tree & Forgotten Angels

The Salvation Army of Henderson encourages the community to help a child in need this Christmas season by taking a name, either physically or virtually, from the “Angel Tree.” This annual program brightens the holidays by providing new clothing and toys to local children.

According to Odessa, 300 children from the surrounding area will participate in the program this year.

As part of its “Forgotten Angels Drive,” The Salvation Army also encourages the community to consider supporting children ages 10 to 12 who are often left on the tree in favor of younger kids.

How it Works:

• Virtually – click here or visit The Salvation Army of Henderson’s Facebook page for information on adopting an angel online.
• In-person – choose a tag off the Angel Trees located at participating Walmart stores (coming soon) or at The Salvation Army of Henderson. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when coming in-person.
• Provide age-appropriate, new toys and clothes for the child(ren).
• Place the angel tag number and name of the child on all bag(s) of donated items.
• Deliver unwrapped gifts to The Salvation Army at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson, NC Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by December 11, 2020.
• You may also go to www.walmart.com/registry/registryforgood and enter your location as 27536 to select “Angel Tree of Henderson” (or click here). Items may be purchased online and shipped directly to The Salvation Army of Henderson.

Contact Captain Odessa Smith at (252) 432-7766 or email odessa.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org with any questions.

Kettle Bell Ringers

The Salvation Army is currently accepting volunteer bell ringers that can serve now through December 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Youth are welcome; adult supervision may be required based on age. Individual ringers will be placed at locations for two to four-hour shifts. When volunteers are not available, The Salvation Army must hire ringers, which reduces the funds available for services.

There are over 20 bell-ringing locations across Vance, Granville, Franklin, Northampton, Halifax and Warren counties. Groups willing to cover a location for an entire day can choose any approved location.

In addition to the traditional method of placing change in the red kettle, donors may also place money in the “virtual kettle” by using their Smartphone to access Google Pay or Apple Pay at the stand. The Salvation Army’s Facebook page also has a scan code that can be used with a Smartphone to donate money to the virtual kettle.

All Red Kettle Campaign proceeds support The Salvation Army of Henderson’s Christmas and year-round programs.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.registertoring.com or contact Captain Derrick Smith at (252) 432-7474 or via email at derrick.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org.

“The reality is there is a 40 percent increase in need this year, whether from COVID or other circumstances,” explained Derrick. “We are truly blessed and honored to be able to help those that come through our door. We couldn’t do it without volunteers or folks that donate to The Salvation Army.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.