Christmas Services
Since 1905, The Salvation Army has provided Christmas for families in need in the Charlotte community.
In 2011 we saw a record 250 families per day registering for Christmas assistance! Throughout October and into the first week of November, the line of families registering their children for the Angel Tree program wrapped around the building of The Salvation Army Christmas Center.
The families that are served through The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte are local families from Mecklenburg and Union counties. Many are single moms and dads, working hard to simply try to provide for their family. Some are children who live with grandparents, relatives, or caregivers. Others are unemployed parents, struggling to stay financially afloat. We also register senior citizens who are desperately stretching every penny they have.
Times have certainly changed since our first Christmas but we are still the first call for families in need of assistance. Each year The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte seeks to bring the real spirit of Christmas to families through a variety of programs.
The Christmas Bureau
Since 1979, The Christmas Bureau has existed as a joint effort between The Charlotte Observer’s Empty Stocking Fund, Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and The United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc. Together, we serve as a clearinghouse for those in need and those seeking to help others during the Christmas season.
Angel Tree
The FOX Charlotte/Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program touched the lives of more than 13,700 children in Charlotte in 2011, providing them with new clothing, shoes, and toys. Beginning in November, Angels may either be adopted online or at several locations throughout Charlotte.
Each year The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary sponsors stockings for more than 13,000 children in the Angel Tree program with a Christmas stocking. Community groups assist with contributions to fill the stockings.
Silver Bells
The Silver Bells program helps senior citizens age 60 and older by providing them with new clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other items that a fixed income cannot provide.