Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Salvation Army will be distributing holiday gift cards for Unicoi residents affected by Hurricane Helen on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Unicoi Chamber of Commerce at 100 South Main Avenue in Erwin from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. or until cards run out.

Residents seeking assistance should be prepared to provide a form of identification and a means of verifying residence in Unicoi County and the number of individuals in their households. It will be required to provide a signature for the gift cards, which can be redeemed at Walmart.

The Salvation Army will soon announce additional dates for Carter and Greene counties. Only Unicoi residents will be able to receive gift cards at the Unicoi distribution.

Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Kind and considerate behavior will be expected from all, including while waiting for a turn to have documents processed.

“We are very grateful that The Salvation Army was able to raise funds nationwide to provide relief for families and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene this holiday season,” Major Maureen Diffley, corps officer, stated. “Even as many of our neighbors have unexpected costs and challenges related to the storm and recovery from the damage, we are relieved to provide some bonus support at this special time of year.”

The Salvation Army in Johnson City provides over 17,000 nights of stay to shelter guests each year, serving them over 51,000 meals and 17,000 snacks, providing clothing and bedding as needed, and laundry facilities. Guests receive case management or coaching during their stay to promote finding a sustainable, independent housing plan upon exit. A variety of social, educational and recreational activities are included.

During the winter months, The Salvation Army provides inclement cold weather shelter for up to 25 additional individuals as part of the White Flag program. A robust relationship with community partners helps to ensure that any overflow registered at The Salvation Army can be sheltered at a partner location for the night.

The Salvation Army provides food boxes and assistance with utilities and rent as available to our neighbors in need year-round. The Salvation Army also completed its Angel Tree gift assistance for families at the holidays.

To receive Hurricane Helene Holiday Gift cards:

– Form of ID.

– Verification of address in Unicoi (ID, mail, etc.).

– Verification of additional household members (mail, birth certificates, custody papers, etc.)

Here are several ways to give and get involved with The Salvation Army of Johnson City this holiday season:

– Become a Kettle Match Organization or sign your group up to ring at a kettle location in our service area. E-mail: Olivia.Brokaw@uss.salvationarmy.org.

– Donate online at Johnson City Corps.

– Donate with cash, coins, and checks or digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at any Red Kettle.

– Sign up to volunteer for a Red Kettle shift by visiting RegisterToRing.com or contacting us at Olivia.Brokaw@uss.salvationarmy.org.

– Sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 a month at Johnson City Corps.

To learn more about how you can support the community during the holidays, visit Johnson City Corps.

For individuals and families in need of assistance, please call to get information and make an appointment if you qualify, 423-926-2101.