Salvation Army helping provide gifts and holiday meals

[WATCH: In the video player above last year the Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland reported more families needing Christmas help.]

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland is already hard at work to ensure thousands of children and families in need this holiday season have presents under the Christmas tree and food on the table.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance program is available to families with children 12 and younger.

Organizers say that after registering for the program, families will receive an assigned date and time when they can pick up toys and food to prepare a Christmas meal.

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Distributed is expected to take place between Dec.15 – Dec. 21.

Last year the program reported helping more than 2,700 families and provided toys to more than 5,900 children.

“Christmas is such an important time in the growth of a child. We have seen that having a toy to open on Christmas morning can improve a child’s self-esteem and how they do in school and interact with friends,” said Captain Joel Ashcraft, Divisional Secretary of Greater Cleveland Area Services, in a press release.

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Here’s how to register:

CLICK HERE to apply online or visit any of the Cleveland Salvation Army Corps Community Centers listed below:

• Salvation Army East Cleveland Corps: 1507 Doan Ave. East Cleveland, OH 44112 | Phone: (216) 249-4334

• Salvation Army Miles Park Corps: 4139 E. 93rd Street, Cleveland, OH 44105| Phone: (216) 341-1640

• Salvation Army Ohio City Corps: 4402 Clark Ave., Cleveland, OH 44109 | Phone: (216) 631-1515

• Salvation Army Temple Corps: 17625 Grovewood Ave., Cleveland, OH 44119 | Phone: (216) 692-1388

• Salvation Army West Park Corps: 12645 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113 | Phone: (216) 252-3593

The following documentation is required:

• Your government-issued photo I.D. or Driver’s License. You must have a Photo I.D.

• A birth certificate or current medical benefit card for each child 12 years old and younger in your household.

• Copies of your County Benefits, Heap Application, and school Records – all are beneficial to show proof of household

Christmas registration will be available:

If you’d like to donate:

Call (216) 861-8185 or CLICK HERE.

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