Christmas Castle provides holiday cheer
COSHOCTON – More than 400 children were treated to a shopping spree thanks to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Castle project. Volunteers took children in first through 12th grade shopping at Wal-Mart on Dec. 11-12 and helped them pick out new pants, shirts, socks, shoes, and coats. Parents prioritized what their children were most in need of and provided sizes. Each Christmas Castle participant could spend up to $75. “We had to lower the price a little because we knew there would be an increase in participants,” said Captain Victoria Clark. “We had 465 children signed up, which is 116 more than we had last year. We raised our goal though so we could get more families in.” This year’s monetary goal was $35,000 and Clark said they reached it within a week thanks to WTNS’s programming. “Without that we wouldn’t have the opportunity to help these families with their needs,” she said. One of the young Christmas Castle participants was Leeanne Shriver who was enjoying her time shopping with volunteer Vicki Guthrie. “I’m looking for shirts that look good with black pants,” Shriver said. She had already picked out a pair of gold, sparkly tennis shoes and a blue winter coat. “This is my third year volunteering,” Guthrie said. “I love it. I like seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and how much they appreciate this.” Antonia Rettos also enjoyed volunteering her time to help children shop. “I do this for the children,” she said. “I love helping. Victoria and Tom are absolutely wonderful. The Salvation Army does a lot of good for the community.” She was shopping with Isaiah Salmons who was excited about the boots he found. “They are camo,” he said. “I’m a country boy.” Salmons also was checking out a plaid robe and looking at slippers. “I can’t wait until Christmas,” he said. Pam Faller is thankful for the help the Christmas Castle project provided for her daughter August Lovar. “As a single mom I am grateful for this,” Faller said. “I’m not sure if we will have a full Christmas, but at least she will have a little bit of something.”Category: Clubs & Organizations, People & Places
