United Way launches Angel Store appeal, seeks donations and volunteers

United Way of Perry County opened its annual Angel Store appeal on November 24, 2025, calling on local donors and volunteers to supply clothing, hygiene items and gifts for children this holiday season. Organizers said the program allows families to 'shop' for needed items for their children, an approach designed to preserve family dignity while meeting immediate needs for warm clothing and basic supplies.

The appeal is timed to address increased demand as temperatures fall and household budgets strain under higher energy and living costs. United Way officials are providing details about drop off locations, donation deadlines and volunteer sign up information through their office and online channels so residents can find the most convenient ways to contribute. Donations collected by the Angel Store are distributed to families across the county and used to stock the temporary store where parents or guardians select items for their children.

For volunteers, United Way needs help receiving and sorting donations, staffing the Angel Store during distribution days and assisting families with a welcoming, respectful shopping experience. Volunteers are typically assigned to shifts and trained on the store process, and organizers emphasize that volunteer time is as valuable as donated goods in ensuring the program runs smoothly.

The Angel Store model addresses both practical and social needs by offering recipients choices rather than premade bundles. That structure helps reduce stigma and gives parents control over selections, which evidence from similar programs suggests improves uptake and satisfaction. On a practical level, clothing and hygiene donations meet immediate needs, while gifts bring psychological benefits for children during the holidays.

Local impacts extend beyond individual households. Keeping children warm and healthy reduces pressure on schools and health services, and volunteer engagement builds social capital in Perry County. The program also complements public assistance programs by filling short term gaps that can arise during winter months when expenses for heating and clothing often increase.

Organizers encourage residents to act promptly because distribution timelines are concentrated in the weeks before Christmas. Donors and volunteers seeking specific drop off addresses, dates and sign up links are advised to contact United Way of Perry County directly for the most current information. The Angel Store remains a key part of the county wide safety net during the holidays, and successful collections this season will determine how many families receive support in the weeks ahead.