Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
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Smiles Make the Greatest Gifts
Providing physical needs such as grocery, utility and gift assistance,
to emotional experiences including holiday events and traditions.
The Salvation Army's mission shines brightest at Christmas.
The Salvation Army celebrates the birth of Christ by spreading His hope, love and joy to less fortunate members of our community. In fact, our gift-giving programs and fundraising initiatives are a direct answer to God's calling to care for the poor, hungry, sick, and displaced. From physical needs such as grocery, utility and gift assistance, to emotional experiences including holiday events and traditions, to spiritual guidance that provides healing and hope, we work to assist the whole person through gifts that serve the body, mind and soul.
Make Christmas Bright
Please join us in spreading the joys of Thanksgiving and Christmas to individuals and families in need this Christmas season and beyond.
Click here to find out how you can make the holidays bright.
Thanksgiving Community Meal and Food Baskets
Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Thanksgiving Community Meal will be served Wednesday, November 25 from 11am-2pm
Thanksgiving Dinner will be served To-Go from the Emergency Disaster Truck in the Community Center Parking Lot at 1239 Barlow St.
Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets (Holiday Assistance sign up required - see registration dates and times below)
Food baskets with all of the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner will be distributed to qualifying area families.
Christmas Community Meal and Food Baskets
Community Christmas Dinner - Christmas Community Meal will be served Wednesday, December 23 from 11am – 2pm
Christmas Dinner will be served To-Go from the Emergency Disaster Truck in the Community Center Parking Lot at 1239 Barlow St.
Christmas Dinner Baskets
Food baskets with all the fixing for Christmas dinner will be distributed to qualifying area families.
(Holiday Assistance sign up required - see registration dates and times below)
***Holiday Assistance Registration - NEW Click here to download a fillable application that can be emailed
UPDATE NOVEMBER 23: We are currently accepting Holiday Assistance applications now through December 1 via email. You can complete the fillable application above on your computer or download and complete and email to Lt. Haylee Winters at haylee.winters@usc.salvationarmy.org with Holiday Assistance Application in the Subject bar. *Applications are not approved until you have been contacted.
WHEN can I apply?
• Thursday, November 5: 9am -11am and 12pm - 4pm
• Saturday, November 7: 9am -11am and 12pm - 2pm (Last day to register for Thanksgiving Food Baskets)
• Tuesday, November 10: 9am -11am and 12pm - 4pm
• Thursday, November 12: 12pm - 7pm
• Tuesday, December 1: 12pm - 4pm Final Registration Day - see information above for emailing application.
WHO do we help?
• Households that have not applied for holiday assistance elsewhere.
• Serving residents of Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie Counties
WHAT assistance is available?
• Thanksgiving or Christmas Food Basket
• Christmas Toys and Gifts (children ages infant -17)
WHAT’S new due to COVID-19?
• Due to COVID-19 restrictions toys and gifts will be selected and prepacked based on wishes and
gift ideas provided on your application.
WHERE can I apply?
• The Salvation Army - 1239 Barlow Street, Traverse City MI, 49686
• Call (231) 946-4644 with questions
HOW do I qualify for assistance?
Bring the following with you to apply:
• Documentation:
o Picture ID for all household members ages 18 and up is required.
o Proof of current physical address.
o One ID for EACH child being registered that shows their proof of birth date
(Examples: Birth Certificate, Shot Record, or School Record). *Social Security Cards not accepted
• Verification of Income:
o Verification of income is required; it must display all household income for last 30 days.
(Paystubs – if no income DHHS award letters)
o Tax forms or a bank statement is accepted to verify the income for the self-employed
o Families up to the 150 percentile of the 2020 federal poverty level are eligible for assistance.
REGISTRATION HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Click here to download a Holiday Assistance Application.
Applications can also be picked up at the The Salvation Army Community Center, 1239 Barlow St. Traverse City, Monday - Friday 9am - 4 pm. You must ring the door bell for assistance as our building is currently closed to guests without appointments.
Applications will also be available during sign-up times.
Click here for more information on how you can join Love's Army and help Rescue Christmas.
Make a donation: click here to securely donate online
- Mail a donation: The Salvation Army, PO Box 5228, Traverse City, MI 49696-5228
- Donate in person: The Salvation Army, 1239 Barlow Street, Traverse City
- Donate your time - register to bell ring
- Support Toys for Tots - We are a proud distribution partner of Toys for Tots collections at our Christmas Toy Shop
For more information contact Ruth Blick, Director of Community Resource Development at (231) 946-4644 ext. 314.
