Single father turns to Salvation Army & Toybox for help - KOAM TV 7

Although it's still November, James Ritter, a single father from Webb City, is already thinking about Christmas presents for his three kids.

"The girls are mainly asking for bikes, a new bike, my son Jonathan, it doesn't really matter for him - he's happy if he gets a book with the presidents on them," says Ritter.

This year Ritter signed up for the Salvation Army's Christmas Assistance Program, a partner of the KOAM Toybox campaign.

"The whole purpose of the program is to really give us an opportunity to reach out to the community at a time when it's really hard, it's hard for families to really get that extra money for a few presents under the tree and we want to give them that opportunity to feel like they can still have a great Christmas with food and presents and things to take care of their family," says Lt. Jamie Currie of the Salvation Army in Joplin.

About 800 families applied for the holiday assistance so far this year in Jasper County and every one of those children will be receiving a toy.  Last year about 19,000 toys were donated to the Salvation Army in Joplin.

"We serve everywhere in the Joplin area and in Jasper County area and any of our areas for social service is who we help for the Christmas Assistance Program," says Lt. Currie.

Lt. Currie says that almost 200 more families applied last year but the need to help families like the Ritter's never declines, and that giving to those that truly appreciate it is what the holiday season is all about.

"Whatever you get just be thankful you got, that's what I try to teach my kids," says Ritter.

It is too late to apply for holiday assistance, however, if you want to help the Salvation Army and KOAM are also taking toy and cash donations.  To learn more visit koamtv.com/toybox