The Salvation Army gives families holiday hope in the River Valley. Here’s how you can help.

The bright lights, cheerful music and bustling stores signal a countdown to the holidays. Some of these hallmarks of the holiday season come with opportunities to help those in need.

In the River Valley, the Salvation Army Fort Smith provides support for individuals facing housing instability, homelessness, food insecurity and other crises. At the end of the year, the nonprofit’s Christmas campaigns rally the community together to help their neighbors.

One familiar sign of the season is Christmas trees covered in paper angels. These trees in shopping centers around the area are a part of the Angel Tree program, where community members purchase and donate toys and other gifts for children to have a brighter holiday.

The Salvation Army Fort Smith distributed gifts to families for about 400 children in the Angel Tree program Dec. 16.

Volunteers carried bright red bags filled with clothing, shoes and toys to families’ vehicles. Some families received also beds and mattresses from donors.

Angela Cobb, a volunteer helping to double-check wish lists, said she hoped “that people know that our community is helpful, that there are resources available and that the kids end up having a merry Christmas because of it.”

“The River Valley has gone above and beyond absolutely any kind of expectations,” said Captain Stephanie Hargis of the Salvation Army Fort Smith. “... They’ve exceeded anything that could have been imagined so we’re very thankful for them.”

Another familiar sign or sound of Christmas is ringing bells next to red kettles at stores.

Through its annual red kettle campaign, the Salvation Army raises funds to support individuals and families in need with utility bills, rental assistance, food and shelter.

Like many nonprofits, the Salvation Army has faced challenges during the coronavirus pandemic and has seen an increased need from people in crisis.

“Now, as our community continues to find their footing, we are still seeing higher need from those who have been affected by the pandemic, and loss of jobs,” Captain Bradley Hargis said. “The red kettle campaign is falling significantly behind as we work toward our 2021 kettle goal of $150,000.00. We are praying the community will dig deep in the remaining days of the season to ensure we can continue to provide help to those who come to us for assistance.”

“The generosity of our amazing community is always a blessing to witness first-hand,” Captain Bradley Hargis said. “The Salvation Army is eternally grateful and we want you all to know that every dollar helps. The money raised in our Red Kettle Campaign stays right here in the River Valley.”

The Salvation Army bells will continue to ring outside stores through noon on Dec. 24, and donations can also be online at www.salvationarmyfs.org.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Help the Salvation Army Fort Smith with its red kettle campaign