The need for toys for Christmas is great | Bradenton Herald

MANATEE — Too few jobs, lots of little children.

That’s how Veronica Velazquez summed up the long lines of moms who stood outside the Salvation Army Center for Worship and Service on State Road 70, waiting to apply for the Christmas toy assistance program.

By noon Tuesday, volunteers like Velazquez, a student from Manatee Technical Institute, had registered 1,200 children from 400 families.

The Salvation Army started registering families for the program Monday, and has pledged to provide toys to 2,500.

Registration is scheduled to continue on a first-come, first serve basis 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. through Thursday, but the Salvation Army may hit its goal today.

Auxiliary Captain Kathy Parker said so many families were in line Monday, that volunteers continued registering until 3:15 p.m., and issued passes for those who didn’t get finished so they could go to the head of the line on Tuesday.

At least the cooler weather this year made the wait in line more comfortable than last year, Parker said.

“This is some of what we are seeing on a day-to-day basis,” said Christine Smith, community relations director for the Salvation Army.

“We are giving out more food bags, serving more meals, and receiving more requests for assistance,” Smith said.

The Salvation Army is partnering with MTI students to register families, and give them date-stamped appointment card when they can pick up their toys.

The Army will distribute Angel Trees to area businesses starting Nov. 5, and residents will be able to pick an angel to fill the Christmas wishes of one child.

“I think they really need this help,” Velazquez said of her experience registering families.

Lt. Faith Welch, who with Maribel Garcia and Norma Rescendiz, met family members as they entered the Salvation Army building, said turnout has been strong.

“We are glad we are able to help,” Welch said.

All applicants are required to bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all members of the household, birth certificates for every child in the household and proof of income.

For more information on the Angel Tree program, call (941) 748-5110.

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee Editor, can be contacted at 745-7021.