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Smiles Make the Greatest Gifts Image

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 throughout Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties in need this Christmas season and beyond. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas programs include:

Thanksgiving Assistance

Community Thanksgiving Dinner - everyone is welcome
Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Location: The Salvation Army, Community Center on Barlow from 11:30am - 1:30pm. 

Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets (Holiday Assistance sign up required - see below for registration dates and times)
Food baskets with all of the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner will be distributed to qualifying area families. 

christmas Assistance - Gift and meal programs

Holiday Assistance registration is now completed. Please call our office at 946-4644 for information and referrals to other area programs that are still accepting applications.  

Community Christmas Dinner - everyone is welcome
Date: Friday, December 20, 2019
Location: The Salvation Army, Community Center on Barlow from 11:30am - 1:30pm. 

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 above)

how can you help spread the joy of the holidays? 

  • Purchase gifts from the Wish List - click here for Wish List
  • Become a Teen Angel and provide gifts and necessities for area teens - click here for more information and to sign up. Application deadline has been extended to November 20.  
  • Sponsor a Christmas Dinner basket to bring families together around the table in celebration - food baskets with all the fixings cost $35.00
  • Purchase baby items or fill a diaper bag to provide expectant mothers gifts for their soon arriving bundles of joy.  
  • Make Christmas Bright - volunteer your time and talents - click here for volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer to bell ring - click here for more information on bell ringing and the Red Kettle Campaign (individuals and groups welcome)    

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
  •     Support Toys for Tots - We are a proud distributor 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.

Other Ways We Meet Needs