Don’t let this holiday season come and go without a true Christmas experience, the unmistakable feeling a person gets from helping another. The Salvation Army offers at least 1,000 ways or more to revel in it, to ensure loneliness, fighting the crowds for the perfect gift, a low budget, no budget, nonstop event hopping and crazy expectations after watching the Hallmark channel aren’t confused with the season of giving.

First on the list is the Angel Tree. New Salvation Army Majors Michael and Patrishia Knott arrived in the fall and hit the ground running, knowing they were going to set the bar high this year for Angel Tree. Last year, 150 children, ages 0-12 were on the list. These were children of parents without the means to purchase gifts vetted by social workers and teachers, generally on government assistance.

This year, the goal was set for 350 children; however, the Knotts found an even greater need than anticipated. On the list is 564 children – and for the first time ever, forgotten seniors are on that list.

The Majors and Salvation Army volunteers are asking the public to adopt a child through the Angel Tree Program by going to Walmart stores on Nelson Road, Martin Luther King Highway and Gerstner Memorial Boulevard and Sam’s Club and purchase the gifts on the childrens’ and seniors’ wish lists found on the tree. Simply pick a tag off the tree. Follow instructions. When gifts are received, the Salvation Army will distribute them to families in need.

Bells will be ringing

Here’s the second and third thing on the list that could turn a bah humbug of a season into a Hallelujah Handel chorus down deep in your heart. Volunteer and/or give.

Experience the job of collecting and/or distributing Angel Tree gifts. Sign up online for the annual Christmas Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army’s largest fundraising campaign of the year. It’s easy to do. Short shifts are available at the place of your choice when you respond right away.

People are more prone to give when they know where the money goes and can give with the method that works best for them. Ninety-five percent of the donations that go in those red kettles stay in Lake Charles, and yes, credit cards are accepted online and at kettle locations, as well as other methods.

None of the money is used for administrative costs. (Not too many nonprofits can say that. Check out charity scores and other online ratings.)

Donations support the Salvation Army homeless shelter where the Knotts are known to practice what they preach while never sugar coating the challenges of those they serve. Volunteers – when they can get them – offer classes to help with interviewing and other skills at the shelter. There is a 30-day time limit on how long a person may stay. Major Michael Knotts shared one success story about a resident who has recently gone to work on the morning shift with United Parcel Service and will ring the bell for the Salvation Army in the afternoon.

Donors are needed to provide food for shelter residents, volunteers are needed to cook and/or serve food.

Individuals and families who receive help at Salvation Army can be linked with social services and other types of assistance.

Michael Knott is specially trained in disaster assistance and has  just returned from helping victims of Hurricane Helene.

A challenge from Mr. Major

In a significant show of support, Energy Transfer contributed $25,000 to kick off this year’s Red Kettle Campaign.

First Federal Bank employees volunteered to ring bells for the first time.

“We’ve set this year’s fundraising goal to $150,000 to meet the increased needs this holiday season and beyond. Wouldn’t it be great to do more. I challenge companies who can, to meet and exceed Energy Transfer’s contribution,” Knott said.

A peculiar people

People who have met the Knotts can tell right away there is something different about them. Volunteers sense it. Corporate sponsors sense it. Donors sense it.

“When life gets frustrating, we don’t just quit,” Knotts said. “We don’t just say it; we live it.” People need to be loved. There is hope out there.”

He thinks people are ready to be engaged, ready to be involved, ready to help.

“The world would be a whole lot better if we took care of each other – not just at Christmas but 365 days a year,” he said.

Work at the Salvation Army begins with prayer. No surprise since the group’s mission is to “preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help people in need without discrimination.”

His wife – he calls her Ms. Major – is praying all 564 “angels” get adopted. Some of this year’s bell ringers are praying to allow the Lord to lead in ways they have never experienced.

“It’s not how you perform. The question is, are you going to allow the Lord to use you. He will minister and equip you,” Knott said.

The Salvation Army wants to help everyone experience the true spirit of Christmas. Go online to participate in Angel Tree, volunteer for to be a bell ringer or give to the Red Kettle Campaign at sourthernusa.salvationarmy.org/ala-lou-mis/lake-charles

You can also call (337) 721-8068.