Salvation Army hosts toy shop for families in need

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Salvation Army is making the holiday season a little brighter for families in need in Greene and Christian counties.

The organization is hosting a Toy Shop and giving out toys from its annual Angel Tree Toy Drive.

The Springfield Salvation Army has spent the last several weeks collecting donations of new toys for children from 0 to 16 years old.

Registered qualifying families are paired with a volunteer to help them pick out items like bikes or stuffed animals.

"One of the things that we want is to restore dignity to individuals. The circumstances are different as to why they might be asking for help, and we don't want them to feel embarrassed or anything like that," said Major Amos Shiels with the Salvation Army. "And this creates a great opportunity for them to be able to 'shop' for their kids."

Shiels says this year parents can pick out three gifts and a stocking for each of their children, but they couldn't provide this much without help from the community.

"We've had families that have really just kind of broken down and it's like I could not imagine providing for my family like this," Major Shiels said. "And you've made it possible and this community has made it possible."

The Salvation Army also relies on volunteers like James Angel to help them serve the families in need during the toy shop. Angel has been helping carry toys to cars this year. He says he has enjoyed having conversations with those receiving help and volunteering has been a rewarding experience.

"Growing up, my family didn't have a whole lot, so my parents actually got to come to things like this. So growing up, I always wanted to be able to return the favor," Angel said. "This is where I like to spend most of my time in the holidays is helping people have that same feeling on their face that I had on mine when I was a kid."