Salvation Army 'just the channel' as it brightens holidays for 300 Odessa families

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The Salvation Army had bicycles, dolls, and stuffed animals on hand along with all of the ingredients for a traditional Christmas meal. | Adobe Stock

Three hundred Odessa families will have toys under the tree and a spread on the table this season, thanks to the Salvation Army.

The nonprofit agency distributed thousands of toys to Odessa families Dec. 17, NewsWest 9 reported.

 "We know we can sense the satisfaction, the spirit of Christmas in the  air, the act of giving which is kind of great," Luis Melendez of the Salvation Army told the station. " But we didn't do this  alone. The Salvation Army is just the channel by which this happens  today, that these children will get toys under their trees. It's a  magical experience but it doesn't happen alone."

The Salvation Army had bicycles, dolls, and stuffed animals on hand along with all of  the ingredients for a traditional Christmas meal, including a ham, NewsWest 9 reported.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy this year named the Salvation Army one of its favorite charities, according to a news release. The Salvation Army ranked second on a list of 100 charities which included the United Way Worldwide and St. Jude's Children's hospital, the news release said.

“We  are grateful for the overwhelming generosity of the American public   during these uniquely difficult times,” Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army, said in a statement. “Their support has  helped The Salvation Army serve millions impacted by the pandemic. With   their continued generosity, we’ll make sure hope marches on for those  in  need."

In 2020, Salvation Army fundraising increased by  more than 30% driven by increased needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization said.

There are several ways in which to donate either time or money. Anyone wishing to help out this season and beyond, as well as anyone requesting the Salvation Army's services, may do so at salvationarmy.usa.org.