WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Is it better to give than to receive? You can see both in action at the Salvation Army's Distribution Center.
All of the toys, clothes and contributions make a difference in the families the charity helps. Today families were invited to shop for their kids, and for many this trip is their only source for presents.
The Salvation Army Distribution Center is a lot like Santa's workshop: Lots of elves and no prices. It's all free to the needy.
The charity says one big change is people who used to give now need.
"We have a lot of first timers, people who didn't have to ask in the past, but unfortunately, because of the economy and the job loss or medical, they are actually having to get help this year," the Salvation Army's Kimberly Bell said. "These are families that last year may have bought an outfit for us or bought a couple of toys, and they are now on our Angel Tree."
There are a lot of toys, and it's a big operation serving the hundreds in need, but you get a sense the volunteers get a lot for their effort
"It's so heart-warming and heartfelt to see the generosity of the public and the churches and the individuals and the organizations. When they know we have a need, they get busy, and they contact people," volunteer Laraine Butler said.
Every year the Salvation Army comes through for those in need in our area. Some would not have a Christmas without them.
So how do they match a need that grows each year? With help from the community and faith
"Yes, we are making it," Bell said. "We are making it with the generosity of the people in New Hanover and Brunswick and Pender and Bladen and Columbus County. They're all pitching in, and everybody's helping, and everybody's in the wonderful spirit of christmas, and everybody's in the spirit of giving, so we make it. We make it off of the faith of others, and they know what we do with what you give us."
The Salvation Army helped about 400 families today and more than 1,600 overall this holiday season. That comes out to more than 4,000 kids with a brighter Christmas thanks to you.
hi this is sonia again i
hi this is sonia again i just forget to leave my number if everyone wish to help my friend..i am the one who left the message about my friend who lost her baby...
my name on the top of the page is sonia but my friends name is samantha
contact 407 860-1024
looking for help for a friend
Hi my name is sonia, i am writing to see if i can get any help for a good friend how just lost her baby boy but has 4 other kids.my friend was going to have her baby on the 5th of this month.when she want to the hospital so they can induce her labor,they notice no heart beat.when they did an ultrasound the realize the baby was baby..she has been tell her doctor to induce her labor since she was 37 weeks do to the fact her baby was a big baby already but the doctor was going to do it then he said no.the hospital said the reason for the baby dead was,when the baby was smaller he muct of did a flip till the point that the umbilical want into a circle and made a not so as the baby was growing the not was getting tier.if her doctor where of listen to her,the baby will be alive today.today was her day to give birth but instread today was the day that she had to put her baby to rest..she has 4 other kids in which she cant buy them christmas gifts now..if you can help her in any way it will be very greatful..gril is 9 years old,boy 6,boy 5,and boy 3..she is in so much pain as a mommy for what has happen to her baby boy..
thank you so much
Im a mother of a lovin lil
Im a mother of a lovin lil girl I just been cryin only get ssi she ask me mom is it christmas dont know what to tell her I have no money could not ever get a tree so I told her she cryed I ask y she say no one come get me im always with u dont no one love me lord it hurt me to my hurt she only 4 wish she could wake up to some I lost my mom this year now im with no 1 to call on im so stress cry so much made myself sick is there any 1 that can help I kno its last min I put her on the toys for tots but they ran out of toys was n line for hour didnt get nothing why my child if u can help call me 4696437586
I could sign you up....
....for some English classes at a local community college.
comment made
that was horribly cruel and you are an extremely mean person. Why do you even look at these sites if that is all you can do? Shame on you!
How can one reach them?
I have a family with recent loss. I need to make contact with SA...how can I do so?
need help please
I'm lost my job and don't know how I'm going to pay rent so I would be blessing if anyone. Can help my kids have at least some Limoges Christmas
christmas gifts
i am a mother with 3 kids and one of my children just had surgery and i got layed out of work becasue of therapy and doctors appointments for my son. i have not found any work and this year i am looking forward to giving my kids a chritmas present becasue they have not got any presents for the past 3 years and i feel really bad please halp
thank you