Donations from the Angel Tree project begin to stack up inside of the Parkersburg branch of the Salvation Army. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — The Salvation Army in Parkersburg and Marietta have officially launched their annual Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns to bring holiday cheer and support to the local community.

The Red Kettle campaign began Nov. 16, with bell ringers stationed at locations such as Walmart South Side, Walmart Vienna, Grand Central Mall, Hobby Lobby, Piggly Wiggly, Sam’s Club, Kroger, and IGA.

The Angel Tree program supports 450 children this year, with tags available at various locations, including Walmarts in Ripley, Vienna, Marietta and Parkersburg, Peoples Bank, the Parkersburg YMCA, Auntie Anne’s, Claire’s, West Virginia Credit Union, and more. Donors can select a tag, purchase gifts for the child listed, and return the gifts either to the Salvation Army headquarters or to the location where they picked up the tag.

However, according to Lieutenant Anthony Rowe, the Parkersburg Salvation Army asks that all donations be dropped off directly to their building at 534 Fifth St.

“We’re open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army office, with a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., for those wanting to drop off donations,” said Major Rosemarie Hughes from the Marietta Salvation Army.

Local businesses are also stepping up to help. Hino Motors, a new partner, adopted 75 angels this year, with employees contributing gifts for the children.

“It’s amazing to see how much support we’re receiving from local organizations,” said Rowe.

Rowe, who oversees the initiative on the Parkersburg side, mentioned that the Red Kettle program has reached a decent number of bell ringers but they’re always looking for more help.

“We’re finally at a point where people are showing up and wanting to work,” said Rowe. “But we still need volunteers to help cover all locations.”

Community members can register to volunteer at RegisterToRing.com by selecting Parkersburg or Marietta or those in Parkersburg can contact Rowe at 304-485-4529, while those interested in volunteering in Marietta can call 740-373-4043.