“We are asking that people come out and donate a toy. You will find our red barrels near the exits. You can buy a toy that you think a kid would enjoy unwrapping Christmas morning and you can place that in our red barrels,” Ray said.
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Greeters at the Walmart on Saturday will be handing out a sheet of toy suggestions of popular items this year. The hand-out will have information on pricing on the toys and which isle the toys are stocked, Ray said, in order to give shoppers some donation suggestions.
For shoppers not interested in donating toys, the Salvation Army will also have out their signature red donation kettles.
“It’s a little early this year,” Ray said. “But we want people to know that this is not just a thing at Christmas time, it is for a greater purpose and greater good. We are taking care of the kids in Clark County.”
Ray said the Springfield Salvation Army will purchase goods for over 2,100 kids in Clark County this holiday season.
“That is 2,100 kids that will wake up Christmas morning and find some really cool things under that tree,” Ray said. “Each kids is going to get three brand new toys. Most will get new clothing, stuffed animals and stocking stuffers as well.”
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Ray said the Salvation Army wants to stress that they are not sending a message that Christmas is just about material things and possessions. Instead, the Salvation Army wants to spread a message of love.
“We want to spread love and any chance we get to spread love in this city, and in this county, we will do it,” Ray said.
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