St.Marys Salvation Army
Episode Summary – Get ‘N Your Business Podcast, Episode 76
Host Alison Shores sits down with Alise Pate from the St. Marys Salvation Army to talk about Angel Tree season in Camden County—and all the ways this local team is quietly meeting needs all year long. Alise explains how the Angel Tree and Senior Tree programs work, from how children and seniors are referred, to where shoppers can find tags, to easy online options for giving through Walmart. She shares why unwrapped gifts and wrapping supplies matter, how distribution day is organized, and how every donation—whether a $5 stocking stuffer or a full wish list—helps make Christmas personal and joyful for local families.
The conversation also dives into bell ringing and the Register to Ring system, volunteer opportunities at the thrift store and donation center, and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep everything running with a small staff. Alise highlights the Pathway of Hope program, which walks alongside parents to break cycles of poverty through life skills and goal setting, and she talks about the growing need for rent and utility assistance in Camden County. Throughout the episode, Alison and Alise remind listeners that every purchase, every shift at a kettle, and every donated item stays right here at home, supporting neighbors across Camden County.
Summary Highlights
Angel Tree & Senior Tree for Camden County
Angel Tree serves children in need only in Camden County, with referrals from schools, counselors, and social service agencies.
Senior Tree partners with the Camden County Senior Center to support seniors who may not have family to share Christmas with.
Where & How to Shop for Angels
Angel and Senior Tree tags are on two trees at Walmart (one at each entrance), plus a new tree this year at Belk Outlets.
Shoppers can buy one gift or the whole list and return unwrapped gifts to the Salvation Army office at 1915 Osborne Road or leave Belk gifts at the store for pickup.
Easy Online Giving Option
Supporters can go to walmart.com, search “Angel Tree,” enter zip code 31558, and shop from a curated wish list that ships directly to the St. Marys Salvation Army.
Gifts range from $5 stocking stuffers to larger items, making it easy to give at any budget.
Heart Behind the Wish Lists
Angel tags include each child’s favorite colors, hobbies, and exact sizes so gifts are truly personal.
Some requests are simple but heartbreaking—like a 17-month-old who needs diapers and clothes, or seniors asking for practical items like a broom and dustpan with a handle.
Every Child’s Box is Checked Twice
Before distribution, Alise and her staff go through every child’s box to make sure the wish list is complete.
If something is missing, they go out and shop, using funds specifically designated for Angel Tree.
Distribution Day & Wrapping Supplies
Angel Tree and Senior Tree distribution is held on December 10 as a one-day event.
Parents receive unwrapped gifts along with donated wrapping paper, gift bags, and tape so they can enjoy wrapping for their children themselves.
St. Marys Police Department helps carry gifts to families’ vehicles on distribution day.
Bell Ringing & RegisterToRing.com
Bell ringing at Walmart (both doors) runs in 2-hour shifts from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM through December 24.
Individuals and organizations can sign up online at RegisterToRing.com, choose their day and shift, and even sit while ringing if needed.
Kettle season is the largest fundraiser of the year, supporting programs far beyond Christmas.
Volunteer Opportunities, Big & Small
Volunteers are needed in the donation center and store to sort clothes, clean and price household items, organize shoes and purses, and more.
“Drop-in volunteers” are welcome—no complicated process, just show up, sign in, and they’ll put you where you fit best.
Extra help is needed running kettles to and from Walmart so each group’s funds can be counted separately.
Pathway of Hope: Breaking Generational Poverty
Pathway of Hope is a Salvation Army program focused on helping parents with at least one child under 18 become self-sufficient.
Staff walk alongside families, teaching budgeting, shopping on a budget, connecting them to counseling, transportation, and vital documents.
The goal is to move clients from survival mode into a place where they don’t need assistance anymore.
Rent & Utility Assistance
In just three months, the St. Marys Salvation Army has provided around $20,000 in rental and utility assistance (water, gas, electric).
Demand is high, and every local location must fund its own services through store sales, donations, kettles, and events—there is no “magic pot of money.”
Multiple Ways to Support, All Staying Local
Shop the thrift store (and watch for surprise 99¢ clothing days announced on Facebook).
Volunteer in the store or donation center, ring bells, help run kettles, support Angel Tree and Senior Tree, and get involved with events like Vintage to Vogue.
Every dollar and every item given in St. Marys stays here to support Camden County families, seniors, and neighbors in need.
Contact Information
The Salvation Army
Alise Pate
Service Center Coordinator
alise.pate@uss.salvationarmy.org
1909 Osborne RD St. Marys GA 31558,US
