For families who are struggling to provide Christmas gifts for their children, the Salvation Army is in the process of taking applications for the Angel Tree.

The application process will continue Oct. 26, 28 and 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 5; and from noon to 3 p.m. on Nov.7  at 530 Mission 66.

Children of the families who qualify must be age 12 and younger.

About 40 applicants have already been approved, Major Janna Torgerson said, which equates to around 150 children.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Torgerson said she is expecting the number of children who will be on the Angel Tree to increase this year, estimating that it could be around 700.

“I do know there are a lot of people who are struggling that have never struggled before and I want them to know that we are here for them. Everybody needs help at one point in their life and that is what the Salvation Army is here to do,” she said, adding, “Don’t be ashamed to come and ask for help that is what we are here for.

Documents required for Angel Tree applications include:

• Photo ID for head of household (the person applying for angel tree).
• ID for all other adults in the household.
• Proof of Income.
• Current SNAP/TANF or other government assistance letter (online or photo from a phone is accepted).
• Or (if not receiving assistance) proof of income.
• Proof of age of children (listed on SNAP letter, birth certificate, or immunization record).
• Clothing and shoe sizes for children.
• Ideas for something the child needs.
• Ideas for something the child wants (within reason).

Torgerson said the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary is heading up the Angel Tree project and iterated her appreciation to the group.

Angel Tree adoptions will kick off on Nov. 20 at the Vicksburg Mall, 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd. and for those who cannot get to the mall or want to adopt groups of angels, Torgerson said, they are welcome to call the Salvation Army office at 601-456-4444.

Torgerson said she is also hoping to have an on-line adoption process. Also, Walmart will be supporting the Salvation Army with a Registry for Good.

“So if they (those who want to help with Angel Tree) go to the Walmart website and type in Salvation Army Vicksburg registry, they can purchase whatever toy they want, it doesn’t even have to be on the list and have it shipped directly to us and then we will give those to the angels,” Torgerson said.

These gifts do not have to be for a specific angel, she said, since they will be used for children who did not get adopted or to supplement where needed.

While the pandemic has financially affected many, Torgerson said, she feels the community will provide for the children.

“I love the Vicksburg community because everyone is so community-minded and I am confident they will step up to the plate and provide Christmas for these kids that would normally not get Christmas. I know God will provide through the community.”

In addition to the Angel Tree applications, the Salvation Army on Oct. 30 will be holding a grand opening for the Family Store. A ribbon-cutting will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the public is invited to attend.