ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – With Christmas fast approaching one charitable Green Bay organization is making sure families in need will have gifts under the tree this year.
The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay is once again in the midst of their Christmas Distribution effort, which helps hundreds of pre-selected families in need.
The program is made possible through the generous support of area businesses and community members.
Jean Vandenlangenberg helps lead the program.
“There are so many moving parts today that no one realizes how many Santa’s elves there are putting this together,” she says.
And she’s not exaggerating when she says that it’s a full workshop of helpers.
“I have about over 700 people in two days that are putting this together,” she says. “From toy sorters to packers to you name it.”
Vandenlangenberg started helping with the effort about 5 years ago, but initially had doubts regarding what sort of impact this event would have.
She says those quickly went away.
“After my first year here it just opened it up to ‘Absolutely this is necessary,’” explains Vandenlangenberg. “The looks on the parent’s faces, the tears, the joy.”
For many Christmas is the most joyous day of the year, while for Vandenlangenberg it’s the work done the week prior to ensure a happy Christmas for all that brings her the most joy.
“My favorite day by far of the year is today and tomorrow to just see what joy this brings and what it does for the community,” she explains.
The organization could still use some more help in their effort.
They say “teen toys,” such as video games, are something they could use more of.
More information on giving to the Salvation Army during the holiday season can be found here.
