With the holiday season quickly approaching, The Salvation Army of Rome, GA, is issuing a comprehensive call to action, urging local residents and businesses to lend support through volunteering and donations to ensure a brighter Christmas for area families and seniors in need.

The organization is actively gearing up for its two largest seasonal initiatives: the Angel Tree program and the iconic Red Kettle campaign.

According to Major Hank Harwell, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Rome, registration is currently underway for families wishing to receive assistance through the Angel Tree program this holiday season.

“The holidays bring immense joy, but they also bring significant financial strain for many families in our community,” Major Harwell stated. “Our Angel Tree program is crucial in making sure local children and older residents wake up with gifts and basic necessities on Christmas morning. We need the community’s support now, both in registering those needing help and preparing for the outpouring of generosity we count on every year.”

Angel Tree Registration and Eligibility

Registration for assistance continues through the month of October. The program provides gifts and clothing to eligible children from birth through age 12, as well as seniors age 65 and up.

Applications are available for residents of Floyd, Polk, and Chattooga counties at The Salvation Army of Rome, GA office, located at 317 East 1st Avenue. Eligibility is confirmed based on applicants’ ages, residency, and verifiable income requirements.

Community members will soon have the opportunity to become ‘angels’ themselves. Donors will be able to select tags—each representing a child or senior—at several convenient locations, including both WalMart locations in Rome and The Salvation Army of Rome, GA office, allowing them to purchase items from specific wish lists.

Red Kettle Campaign Needs Bell Ringers

As the primary fundraiser for The Salvation Army’s year-round services, the annual Red Kettle campaign is preparing for its official launch. The campaign is critically dependent on widespread community participation, particularly through volunteer efforts.

The Red Kettle campaign is scheduled to begin on the Friday before Thanksgiving and will continue through approximately 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve.

The organization is actively soliciting volunteers to ring bells at kettle stands across the service area.

“Bell ringers are the lifeline of this fundraiser,” said Major Harwell. “We are in urgent need of individuals and, especially, groups of volunteers—such as civic organizations, church groups, or corporate teams—who can commit to shifts. The funds raised through the kettles directly support our food pantry, utility assistance, and shelter services throughout the year.”

Donations to the kettles are accepted via traditional means, allowing donors to drop cash and change into the bell ringers’ buckets. Keeping pace with modern giving trends, each kettle stand will also feature a QR code, enabling donors to make contributions quickly and securely via a mobile device.

Supporting Year-Round Needs

Beyond traditional holiday campaigns, Major Harwell stressed the importance of continuous support for The Salvation Army’s other essential services.

The organization will hold a dedicated canned food drive during the holiday season. “While we focus heavily on Christmas, the need for nutritious food is year-round,” Major Harwell noted. “We always need contributions to ensure our shelves are stocked to consistently provide aid to those facing food insecurity in our counties.”

Customer Appreciation Day

To thank the local community for their support and patronage, The Salvation Army’s Family Store will host a Customer Appreciation Day on October 25th—exactly two months before Christmas Day. The event will feature snacks, special deals, and family-friendly fun.

Concerned citizens seeking more information on how to register for assistance, volunteer as a bell ringer, donate to campaigns, or support the Family Store can contact The Salvation Army of Rome, GA, directly at (706) 291-4745.

The Salvation Army of Rome, GA serves Floyd, Polk, and Chattooga counties, providing essential programs including emergency shelter, disaster relief, utility assistance, and food aid, fueled directly by community contributions.