Salvation Army of Elkhart hosts Christmas Drive for adopted families

ELKHART, Ind. - The Salvation Army of Elkhart hosted a Christmas Drive at the National Guard Armory, blessing adopted families in need.

Lieutenant Joshua Hubbard said this year, the donors went above and beyond, giving to 55 families on Wednesday and a total of 380 families over two days. 

Over the past year, the Salvation Army of Elkhart have helped 950 new families in need. 

Families, who previously signed up, expected one or two gifts, said Lt. Hubbard, but instead, cars were full. 

"The community, our donors, our supporters really make the magic happen with the Salvation Army," said he said. "The Salvation Army is really the middleman donors provide gifts, whether to the Salvation Army in dollars or hours, or gifts to actual families, and then we give them all out."

Donors are a large part of allowing the Salvation Army to provide for the community. 

More resources help more families. 

The Salvation Army is still collecting donations for Christmas. They're currently at 51 percent of their goal, aiming to reach $550,000.

Donations are accepted on their website. 

The Salvation Army also aims to help the community as a whole. 

Captain Robin Hubbard said families who aren't adopted can still receive toys, through their partnership with Toys for Tots, and a gift card for Christmas dinner and a basket with personal hygiene items from the Salvation Army. 

"I think it's very impactful for the families because it reminds them that they're not alone in a situation," said Capt. Hubbard. "A lot of these statements we have seen for the first-time, needing assistance and not knowing how they're going to provide Christmas for their families."