PORT ANGELES — By the end of the week, about 1,800 children will have received Christmas gifts from the Salvation Army.
From 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. today and Thursday at the Clallam County Fairgrounds, 1608 W. 16th St., the organization is passing out gifts to people who previously signed up for Christmas assistance, said Capt. Kathleen Johnson, who is in charge of the Port Angeles Salvation Army.
“I hope that we’ll have leftovers,” she said.
“Because whatever is left over on Thursday, those who didn’t sign up at all or were too late were put on a waiting list, and whatever is left over, we will let them shop.”
A total of 563 families with 1,800 children signed up for assistance, Johnson said.
The organization also gave food assistance to 150 senior citizens last week.
“I’ve never seen so many people needing help,” Johnson said.
“I think it is the economy because everyone is laid off — even people with good jobs were laid off.”
The Salvation Army will also hold a Christmas dinner Friday beginning at noon at the Port Angeles office, 206 S. Peabody St.
Johnson said she expects about 175 people but that the number is always difficult to anticipate.
Anyone with last-minute financial donations or gifts to be given away can bring them to the Clallam County Fairgrounds today or Thursday, Johnson said.
“More donations are always great,” Johnson said.
“On Thursday, I hope to have a lot leftover so that it isn’t just stocking stuffers.
“We need items for every age group.”
For more information, phone 360-452-7679 or stop by the Salvation Army office.
