Correction: The kettle collection will go through Sunday, Dec. 23

The Niles Salvation Army is currently seeking volunteers in Niles, Buchanan and Dowagiac to sign up for the various Christmas programs available.

“It will be a very rewarding experience,” said Niles Salvation Army Lt. Joseph Hixenbaugh. “You will feel good knowing that your efforts will go to help hundreds of needy individual and families as they come to us for assistance.”

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities:

The Red Kettle Christmas

Campaign

• Groups and individuals are needed to ring the kettle collection bells at various locations throughout the area. The bell ringing encourages people to donate. All proceeds raised help the Niles Corps Service Area. This event may require standing in cold weather. Volunteers are asked to dress appropriately for winter weather.

Shifts are available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Friday, Nov. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 23

Christmas assistance

• Volunteers are needed to help manage the flow of incoming Christmas Assistance applications.

Two-hour shifts are available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday starting Nov. 6 through Nov. 10.

• Toy Shop: Set-up and Sorting:

Volunteer “elves” are needed to assist as toys are donated. Items will need to be separated by ages. Help is also needed to set up the Toy Shop for Distribution date. Volunteers with Christmas cheer are encouraged to apply.

Shifts are available noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 and Tuesday, Dec. 19.

• Adopt A Family/Toy Shop Distribution Day

Volunteer “elves” will retrieve packages and food for those receiving Christmas assistance through our Adopt-A-Family program. Volunteers will also staff the Toy Shop, and assist shoppers with selecting items. This position requires Christmas cheer and some lifting, movement, climbing stairs, carrying packages, and assisting families to their cars.

Shifts are available between 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 20 and Thursday, Dec. 21.

To participate in these volunteer opportunities, contact volunteer coordinator Tim Douglas at (269) 684-2660 or timothy_douglas@usc.salvationarmy.org

Additional community support programs include:

Toy Shop Program

• Sites are needed to collect new toys clothing for children new born to 16 years old. Containers from the Salvation Army can be provided. Collections begin Nov. 10 through Dec. 15. Donors are asked to not wrap gifts. Arrangements can be made for picking up or dropping off collected items as needed.

Angel Tree / age specific toy Drive

The Salvation Army has struggled in the past with having enough gifts for certain ages. Decorated containers for the requested site can be provided. For more information on the age groups or how to receive Angel Tags, people are asked to call the Niles Salvation Army. Arrangements can be made for picking up or dropping off collected items as needed. Collections can begin Nov. 10 through Dec. 15. Do not wrap gifts.

Adopt a Family Program

• Provides an opportunity for a group or individual to sponsor a specific family in the area. The sponsor will receive a form that lists only first names, ages, sex, clothing sizes and gift choices.

All distribution is done through the Salvation Army’s office. Sponsors are encouraged to be a part of the distribution time. If gifts are wrapped, an itemized list needs to be included and gifts be labeled accordingly. Sponsors also have the option of helping to provide food for their

Christmas meal

Food Drives:

• Help is needed in collecting specific food items that will be provided to families for their Christmas day meal.

The following items are needed:

• Meat: turkey or ham, potatoes and gravy

• Vegetables

• Yams

• Cranberry sauce

• Stuffing mix

• Pie filling

• Crust

• Jell-O

• Juice

• Dinner rolls

Collection barrels will be provided as needed. Arrangements can be made for picking up or dropping off as needed.

For more information or to confirm interest phone the Niles Salvation Army at (269) 684-2660.

The Niles Salvation Army is located at 424 N. 15th St. in Niles.