Christmas Castle shopping a success for local families

The Coshocton Salvation Army Christmas Castle program provides local children an opportunity to shop for winter clothing at the Coshocton Walmart with three nights of shopping from 4-8 p.m.

The Salvation Army offers the Angel Tree, Christmas Castle and food distribution programs every year during the holiday season.

Carol Madison was one of the volunteers helping families at the front check out. She has been a volunteer with The Salvation Army and the Christmas program for close to 30 years and is glad to do it.

"Parents can sign their children up for the Christmas Castle and help them shop. Kids' ages are 5 years old up to still in school. They get to pick out some clothing and shoes," Madison said.

The Coshocton County Sheriff's Office was helping the kids shop this year.

Deputy Caden Brown was assisting 10-year-old Kaleb with his purchases Dec. 2.

"We are privileged to come out and, along with The Salvation Army, meet with the kids, go shopping with some of them, help them find clothes and things they need," he said. "It is kind of a positive influence, not only for them, but for us too. It gets us out with the public. We get to see people in the community, and they are able to see us, put a name to our face and build trust. That's what we are doing here today, trying to be a positive influence."

This was Brown's first year to participate, but members of the sheriff’s office have helped children with their shopping in the past.

Kaleb likes Xbox, technology and things like that, his mom said, and his 5-year-old sister Melodie was picking out some new clothes.

"She wants art supplies for Christmas. She's my simple child," Mom said.

Four-year-old Hunter McCloy was getting new snow boots while his sister 6-year-old Zoraya Hess wanted brown cowboy boots with pink trim, just like her mom's.

"She likes to dress like her mom, for now anyway," Mom said.

Eight-year-old Knox Willis and 5-year-old Ledger Willis were excited with their purchases when they were at the checkout.

"Ledger was really excited because he got Spiderman boots, so he was happy," his mother said.

The Salvation Army has been meeting the needs of families in the community since 1865. From the annual Red Kettle Campaign to the variety of available programs that serve local communities, The Salvation Army is dedicated to serving people all year, especially at Christmastime.