HAVERHILL — The Salvation Army's Community Christmas Castle provided toy and food vouchers to more than 400 families in Haverhill last year. The castle has a longer list this year.
"We're seeing a 13 percent increase in applications from families due to the economy," said Salvation Army Lt. Jeffrey Hardy. "We expect 500 applications this year."
The castle is inside Pentucket Bank at 35 Merrimack St., and organizers are asking for help fulfilling the wishes of children whose Christmas might be less-than-merry this year. Many families struggling to make ends meet have applied for help. Two final days to apply for toys and food vouchers are Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The gifts are purchased through donations to the Haverhill Gazette Santa Fund and to the Salvation Army.
The castle also is accepting donations for its Angel Tree, which carries the wishes of children. Visitors to the castle can pick a name and grant a child's wish based on age, gender and clothing size. Anyone interested in donating new, unwrapped toys or new clothing can visit the castle weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Monday. Evening drop-offs can be accommodated by appointment.
Hardy said Angel Trees have been set up in various locations, including BJ's in Ward Hill and at Magellan Aerospace in the Broadway Business Park, where employees can grant a child's wish. This year, J.C. Penney Co. Inc. has teamed up with the Salvation Army nationwide to offer Angel adoptions online. Items purchased for children, teens and seniors will be shipped at no cost.
"We already have 15 children receiving gifts through JCPenney," Hardy said. "Local business have adopted families as well, including Pentucket Bank, Haverhill Bank and Bank of New England."
Toys and food vouchers will be distributed to eligible families Dec. 21.
For more information about the Christmas Castle, call the Salvation Army at 978-374-7571 or drop by its offices at 375 Main St. in Haverhill.
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