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Salvation Army of Manatee County needing holiday donations before Dec. 17

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Published  December 11, 2024 6:19pm EST
Bradenton
FOX 13 News

Helping children in need for the holidays

Kimberly Kuizon reports

BRADENTON, Fla. - Volunteers and donations are high priority for the Salvation Army of Manatee County as they close in on their Angel Tree Program's Dec. 17 deadline.

As Barb Studer works to collect toys for an Angel Tree recipient, she quickly notices the young child won’t get everything he needs.

Volunteers and donations are high priority for the Salvation Army of Manatee County as they close in on their Angel Tree Program's Dec. 17 deadline.

"That’s all I’ve got for this one. No clothes at all," she said.

Volunteers at the Salvation Army of Manatee County’s Angel Tree Distribution Center are hopeful the community will turn things around.

"No inventory for our boys. We need boys' clothes. Our inventory is so slow. Nothing like it’s been in the past. We cannot even fill our list because we do not have what we need," said Studer.

Despite all the bags filled with toys and gifts for children, there are still hundreds of boxes left to be filled.

"It makes us very nervous because the community relies on us to provide this for our neighbors in need," said Monica Carruth, the Director of Community Relations and Development for the Salvation Army of Manatee County. 

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Toys, clothing and shoes are desperately needed for boys and girls ages 6 to 12.

"As you can see here, these tables are bare. A week ago these were stacked, and we still haven’t received the amount of donations we typically do," said Carruth.

Volunteers and donations are high priority for the Salvation Army of Manatee County as they close in on their Angel Tree Program's Dec. 17 deadline.

Even Red Kettle Bell donations are down.

"The economy is tough and hitting everyone really hard right now, and we are just seeing that. We are seeing that with families who never needed help before are needing a little extra help right now," said Carruth.

With less than a week to go, time is running out to make sure families throughout Manatee County don’t go without.

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"Just think of your little ones if they didn’t have something to keep warm or just think of your past when you were little and opening things. Salvation Army needs help. We hope you step up and help," said Studer.

You can drop off new toys and clothes at 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton, from Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteers are also needed Monday-Friday until Dec. 20.

Shifts are 9-12 and 1-4. Contact the Salvation Army at 941-757-5773 to volunteer.

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