We’re More Than Just Christmas
At The Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer event, volunteers do more than distribute food and toys—they provide comfort, connection, and hope. While the holidays bring a special focus on giving, the mission of The Salvation Army extends far beyond Christmas.
During a shift at Christmas Cheer, a volunteer assisting families in the toy section noticed a mother in distress. Remembering the training that morning, she approached the housing coordinator and said, “I remember you mentioning to come get you if we saw a need. I was talking to this woman, and she shared her housing situation with me...”
That mother, Chardonnay, was facing the risk of eviction due to an outstanding balance with a previous landlord. She had left her home to protect her children from a domestic situation and was now living with her mother in a one-bedroom apartment with her three kids. Without a stable rental history, securing new housing was an overwhelming challenge.
Through The Salvation Army’s material assistance programs, support was quickly put in place. We contacted the landlord, assured them that assistance was available, and worked to clear Chardonnay’s outstanding balance—stopping an eviction from being filed.
Just days after that first conversation, Chardonnay’s rental record was cleared, giving her a better chance at securing safe housing for her family. In response, she shared a heartfelt message:
“Thank you so much. I cannot express how grateful I am!”
While Christmas is a time of giving, The Salvation Army’s work never stops. Every day, families in Central Ohio turn to The Salvation Army for food, housing assistance, job training, youth programs, anti-human trafficking support, and more.
Because of your generosity, hope isn’t just for the holidays—it’s available all year long.