WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The Salvation Army opened a store in Valley West Mall for people to shop for toys for their kids. Donations to the Salvation Army from the public and Toys for Tots, paid for the outing. Angel Tree Ministries took registrations from some 800 families, with over 2,000 kids.

“The families that we are serving today are those who, life has just been very hard for them and they’re needing help making ends meet as well as working to find a way to bring that Christmas joy to their household,” said Jolene Hull, of the Salvation Army. “We are able to offer some food they’re choosing so they can go shopping at one of the grocery stores here in town and get exactly what they want for their Christmas meal.”

The Salvation Army has a fundraising goal of $1.2 million dollars. So far they’ve raised $500,000.

“We have a ways to go but we know just as we’ve got the support of the community,” said Daniel Hull, of the Salvation Army. “We can provide rent, utility assistance, and our homeless feeding program three days a week we take our emergency canteen out and feed the homeless.”

In opening the toy shop, it also takes volunteer help.

“Those volunteers get a blessing, I’ve seen the smiles, the greetings,” said Daniel. “It is not about number 147 come and be served, it’s about serving our friends and our neighbors.”

The Iowa State Bank also helped to make the store possible.

“Iowa State Bank gives to the Salvation Army of Des Moines because we’re committed to helping meet the needs of the community where we do business,” said Iowa State Bank President & CEO, Lauren Burgeson in a news release. “We’re proud to partner with the Salvation Army of Des Moines to support them as they provide food, clothing and gifts this holiday season to the most vulnerable populations in our community.”

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