Nationwide toy recalls are now affecting the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Angel program, said Lt. Col. Don Mowery.
The Salvation Army is asking for hundreds more volunteers, in addition to the 2,200 people who already give of their time during the holidays, in order to make sure children’s toys are safe.
“It’s a big job and that’s why we need volunteers to come and help us,” Mowery said.
Volunteers will need to go through more than 50,000 toys to be distributed throughout the Valley to make sure lead paint doesn’t end up in the hands of children, Mowery said.
Volunteers will start sifting through the toys Wednesday, according to the Salvation Army.
Mowery said the organization will use poster-sized recall lists to make sure toys with lead paint are not paired with family food baskets to be distributed.
For all of those interested in donating their time to the Salvation Army, call the volunteer line at (602) 267-4117, Mowery said. Volunteers can also simply drop by their local Salvation Army.
Those interested in giving toys shouldn’t be concerned if the toys have been purchased recently, because stores have been keeping up with the recalls, as well, Mowery said.
