The Salvation Army of Altus is preparing for the Angel Tree Christmas Assistance Program by beginning registration for it on Tuesday, Oct. 26 and Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 28 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Anyone looking to register must have an appointment, which can be made at https://www.pwhdev.net/AngelWebSQL/loginangel.html. The pre-registration code is ALTUSJC and you will be able to select your preferred date and time to register.

   Information required to register includes a birth certificate for each child age 0-12 in the household (social security cards will not be accepted), head of the household’s driver’s license/photo ID (cannot be expired  and must be a resident of Jackson County), proof of household income, proof of Jackson County residency and proof of adoption/custody. Volunteers ask that those registering come prepared with all the materials as well as each child’s clothing and shoes sizes.

   Michael Schlichting, volunteer for the Salvation Army of Altus, said that they have already had locations say they want a tree this year that have never had a tree before. Burkes Outlet located in the Bunker Hill shopping center, which is not only new to the Angel Tree Program but to the Altus community, is hosting a kickoff on Nov. 3 at 11:00 a.m. The community is invited to come and celebrate with hot chocolate and coffee.

   Schlichting says that it hasn’t changed that people need help and Thanksgiving and Christmas both will be extremely on edge this year compared to before because people don’t know where they’re going to be financially.

   The Kettle Drive will also be starting earlier this year as Hobby Lobby begins ringing the week of Nov. 8 and will host a similar kickoff with the Salvation Army on Nov. 10. Walmart has made an agreement nationwide to begin ringing on Nov. 20.

   The CDC’s COVID-19 protocols will be applied during registration. Masks and social distancing will be mandated. Only one parent/guardian can be in attendance to register. Children will not be allowed in the building during this time. The Salvation Army of Altus is located at 1100 North Park Lane and volunteers are welcomed year round.