The Big Rapids Salvation Army provides assistance for many people year round, but their work is crucial for many families during the holidays. Development Director Chris Vallette says one program gets under way this week.

“The Salvation Army is currently helping folks, as far as Christmas goes, with out Angel Tree program. The community provides donated new, unwrapped toys and we work to provide local families with gifts for their children at Christmastime.”

And, he adds, anyone who wants to sign up for assistance has to do so soon.

“Right now we're doing a sign-up between today, the 28^th, and this Friday, the 2^nd, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm during the day here at the office.

We need identification of the applicant – this could be a driver's license, passport, green card, government issued ID, etc. We need identification for all household members – that could be birth certificates, medicaid cards, government issued ID's. We need documentation of current income – that could be check stubs, social security statements, proof of cash assistance. And then we also need evidence of current address – so we need something like a current lease or a utility bill.”

For more information, you cab stop by their office on 325 Linden Street or call 231-796-5597.