Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 20, 1994 TAG: 9412210046
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Maj. Dan Delaney, commanding officer of the Salvation Army's Roanoke unit, said Monday that the organization's mail campaign is off from the amount collected by mail this time last year.
"People are holding back for some reason, especially people who give larger contributions - $100 or more," Delaney said. "I wish they wouldn't wait. We use that money for holiday relief and in January and February for people who need help with heat or rent."
Kettle contributions are just about on target, Delaney said. But one of the organization's most popular holiday season projects - the Angel Trees - has been slow.
The trees - at Valley View Mall, Hills department stores, the Wal-Mart in Salem, the Kmart stores on Franklin Road and Crossroads Mall - are decorated with cardboard angels. On each are children's names, ages and clothing sizes. People may take an angel and return it, attached to a gift.
But many people have not yet returned with gifts, Delaney said. The original Dec.14 deadline already has been extended twice. Gifts must be dropped off by today, Delaney said.
"It is impossible to get the gifts to the children any other way," he said.
The organization is holding its annual Christmas distribution Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Delaney said he expects to serve about 3,200 needy families, 100 more than last year.
"What we've done this year is extended ourselves out into about 21 communities outside the Roanoke Valley, little communities like Eagle Rock, Bedford and Rocky Mount," Delaney said. "People came to us and we just went ahead and took them instead of referring them back to their home communities."
Anyone interested in donating to the Salvation Army can mail a contribution to 724 Dale Ave. SE, Roanoke, Va. 24013, or P.O. Box 1631, Roanoke, Va. 24008.
by CNB