Restoring Hope

Tools for School

Each year in August, we provide basic school supplies to school-aged children in low-income families. Last year, we distributed more than 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies across the city. We have also supported Sedgwick County teachers and students by providing exclusive by-appointment school supply shopping days or identifying especially challenged schools.

Warm Hearts Winter Wear

With the help of local businesses, media, and individuals, we collect thousands of coats, plus winter items such as hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets. These items are distributed in the month of October each year. Anyone in need of warm clothing is eligible for this program. We try to provide weather-related clothing anytime of year, if available. Each year, we give out tens of thousands of winter wear supplies, mostly coats.

Christmas Assistance

Each year, Christmas assistance is provided to families and individuals in need. Families are given food assistance for a Christmas meal. Toys are provided to children 16 and younger through the Angel Tree program. Additionally, food and gifts are provided to senior citizens. In 2024, we were able to provide toys to over 9,000 children and served more than 3,500 families. Christmas assistance applications are taken late October through mid-November, and our Angel Tree distribution usually occurs in early December. Applications are currently closed.

Angel Tree & Star of Hope

You can host an Angel Tree at your business, church, or social club. Donate toys or items that will bring joy to families and children who may not have Christmas gifts otherwise. Paper Angels are hung from a Christmas tree with the names and wish lists of children, so that donors can shop for real presents for families to put under their trees.

The Star of Hope program provides food and needed items to senior citizens through the Angel Trees. The Stars are specifically for senior citizens who may need additional help during the holidays. If you would like to host an Angel Tree at your business or organization, please contact Dulcy at (316) 425-6142 or email dulcy.palnau@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Red Kettles

Make a donation during our Red Kettle Campaign at area businesses and grocery stores where you see a Red Kettle and a bell ringer. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through Christmas Eve, the Red Kettle Campaign raises funds that support our emergency social services year-round. Donations made to Red Kettles stay right in your local community, wherever your donation is made. Bell ringing is fun too! Bring your friends or family and dress in your most festive holiday gear. Sign up here to Register to Ring!

Share the Season

Made possible through partnerships with INTRUST Bank, NonprofitGO, The Salvation Army, Splurge! Magazine, and The Active Age, assistance is given to working families who have experienced a recent financial hardship, such as unexpected medical bills or car repairs. Since 2000, Share the Season has raised more than $4.5 million and helped over 4,200 families. Applications are currently closed.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are so many ways for you, your family, and friends to get involved with programs and services provided by The Salvation Army throughout the year. If you would like to make a real difference in the lives of people who may be struggling, click here to see all our volunteer opportunities.

Get Involved

Restoring Hope to Transform Lives can only be accomplished through the generosity of our neighbors and friends in the Wichita area. Monetary donations are always appreciated, but we also need prayer support for the people that come through the doors of The Salvation Army and the employees who are here to be an example of Christ to those that come to us for help.