Salvation Army Christmas distributions began December 17

The Salvation Army is provided Christmas gifts and food boxes for more than 4,000 Lee County children and their families in the coming days. Distributions began December 17 with an 8:30 a.m. ribbon cutting at the Christmas Cheer Warehouse at 13550 North Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers. Families with appointments were able to pick up gifts and food from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  December 17 through December 20. The Salvation Army served over 500 families each day of distribution.

Boxed meals for the community

Dedicated Salvation Army staff and volunteers worked tirelessly for weeks preparing the space for the three days of distribution; setting up shelves, mapping out logistics and sorting and bagging toys and food.

“It’s part of our mission as The Salvation Army to meet human needs without discrimination,” said Major Cheryl Gilliam, Area Commander for The Salvation Army and responsible for the Angel Tree program and Christmas Cheer distributions. “And through this program we’re able to meet the needs of children and their families because of partnership with generous donors throughout the community.”

It takes the whole community to make this event possible. Gifts were provided by Angel Tree sponsors –  individuals, community groups, organizations – and the Toys for Tots program. Food box contents were gathered through the annual Lee County Schools canned food drive.

“In this season of giving, and as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, which is Christ,” said Major Gilliam, “It brings joy to our hearts to give back to our community.”

More images and video of warehouse prep can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u496jmmz29xi93m/AAD6TDKbkN4WH6K8Qgmnd9Hba?dl=0

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyleecounty.org.  The Salvation Army is proud to be a United Way partner agency.