Salvation Army Plays Santa

Santa’s Elves were busy filling orders for Maricopa families Thursday evening at Maricopa Elementary School. The elf in charge was Amy Cole, longtime Maricopa resident and head of the Maricopa branch of the Salvation Army.

Santa’s helpers (left to right) Amy Cole, Mary Lou Smith and Barbara Pietrzak.

Assisted by fellow residents, Barbara Pietrzak and Mary Lou Smith, Ms. Cole directed the efforts of several volunteers who sorted toys and clothing according to the wish lists of 200 children ages 11 and under. Food boxes were scheduled for filling on Friday evening when individual families arrived to pick up their gifts.

Children ages 11 and under received one or two of these toys.

This year there were 77 families who signed up. Each family has to be local area residents, show proof of income and must indicate, by providing birth certificates, the number of children in that family. Children’s ages and clothing sizes as well as the toy they wish for are also noted.

Each child also received an outfit of clothing.

Even infants received clothing, blankets, and toys.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino employees purchased toys for the “angels” they adopted. Fiesta Grande RV Park in Casa Grande adopted entire families as well as individual children. The Maricopa Rotary Club provided a vehicle to transport the donations from both the Fiesta Grande RV Park and Harrah’s Ak-Chin. “That really helped. We were able to do it in one trip this year,” explained Ms. Cole.

Bell ringers will be in front of Bashas‘ until Christmas Eve. Monies donated go to the local Salvation Army’s bank account . Funds provide assistance for needy families to buy food or to pay utility bills throughout the year. Until the beginning of this holiday season’s bell ringing, there was only $42 in the account according to Ms. Cole. “That’s the lowest it’s ever been,” she lamented.

You can still help by donating to the bell ringers or by calling Amy Cole at 568-3650 (after 6 p.m.) with either monetary, household goods or clothing donations. The Salvation Army in Maricopa helps those in need all year long.