By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Residents who feel they may need some help with providing presents this Christmas can meet at the Hurley Family YMCA to fill out an application for area programs.

The programs — the Christmas Happiness Fund, Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, Operation Santa and Project Santa — benefit school-aged children and give them clothing, food and presents.

Applications will be taken Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hurley YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Anyone who wants to apply for any of the above programs can do so at the same time.

The single application process is a way to avoid duplication in services. The parents or guardians fill out a common form. Once the applications are approved, the requests are given to the appropriate agency.

Applications will also be accepted:

• Saturday, Nov. 5 — 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 3 — 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Anyone who would like to see if they qualify for these programs can apply in person through the Rowan County Christmas Bureau.

The other programs for which applications will be taken include:

• U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots, for which the community donates new, unwrapped toys into collection boxes and coordinators distribute the toys.

• The Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, which gives vouchers to families who qualify. Each child receives $30 per child that can be spent locally for toys and clothing.

• The Salvation Army Angel Tree, which gives gifts for children and food for the family.

• Arc of Rowan Operation Santa, which provides for families with developmentally disabled children.

Only the parent or legal guardian of a child may apply. All applicants must have identification and documentation for all of the children for whom the application is being made.

People applying for help through the Christmas Bureau should bring:
• ID/Driver’s License
• W-7 for each member of household
• If ID is expired, a recent lease and utility bill
• Medicaid card
• Birth certificates for children 12 and under
• Proof of all income and expenses
• Unemployment
• Custody papers, if guardian

To volunteer to help with applications, contact the Rowan County United Way at 704-633-1802.
Follow the Christmas Bureau Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RowanCountyChristmasBureau for regular updates on application dates and other details.