Mall to accept Salvation Army donations

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Southern Park Mall confirmed Tuesday it will serve as a donation drop-off location for the Salvation Army.

Anyone can drop off new, unwrapped gifts, such as toys, books and clothing, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the mall entrance near Buffalo Wild Wings, said Salvation Army volunteer Kelly McCandless. The mall is at 7401 Market St. in Boardman.

The donations will be distributed early next week to needy families in Mahoning County as part of the Christian,organization’s Angel Giving Tree program.

Several hundred tags with children’s Christmas wish lists have been picked up through Angel Giving Tree program, but hundreds more still need to be filled.

This year, the Salvation Army is helping about 1,200 families countywide and within those families about 2,000 children. Donations are needed for boys and girls, ranging in age from infants to teens.

Since a Vindicator article about a donation shortage appeared Saturday, “the response has been incredible,” McCandless said.

“That very first morning [the article was printed], we had someone at the Salvation Army early who said ‘Here are some toys’ and made a donation,” she said.

Donations also are being accepted at the Salvation Army headquarters, 1501 Glenwood Ave., or at the Quaker Steak & Lube in The Shops at Boardman Park, 435 Boardman-Poland Road, during regular business hours.

Those who want to donate also can go online to http://Angel.JCPenney.com/AngelTree/Search.aspx.