The Salvation Army Omaha Metro is preparing an awe-inspiring Tree of Lights ceremony for local residents on Nov. 5, but behind the scenes, staff are bracing for a holiday season that will stretch them to capacity as more families seek help.
The event in Central Omaha takes place amidst a slate of Christmas Assistance Sign-up events that volunteers will host throughout the community in late October and early November.
Salvation Army Omaha Metro is still looking for volunteers for these events, which will help find eligible families to receive assistance this holiday season in the form of food, gifts, and other essential items.
More than 2.56 million people received holiday assistance from Salvation Army chapters across the country in 2025. Locally, volunteers will sit with residents who live in certain Omaha-area ZIP codes to help them through the process and ensure they have the best chance of receiving assistance if eligible.
“I can tell you myself, having volunteered several times for this, you see so many smiles and faces,” Salvation Army spokesperson Todd Andrews told KETV. “You get so many thank yous. There is such a positivity and warmth that comes out of these Christmas sign-up events.”
When and where will the Salvation Army Christmas Assistance events be?
The organization will host events at multiple locations from Oct. 29-Nov. 6 (only showing time slots with a need for volunteers):
Kroc Center
2825 Y St., Omaha
Thursday, Oct. 29
9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
1:30–5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30
12:30–4 p.m.
4:30-8 p.m.
North Corps
2401 Manderson St., Omaha
Monday, Nov. 2
1:30–5 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
12:30–4 p.m.
4:30-8 p.m.
Citadel
3738 Cuming St., Omaha
Thursday, Nov. 5
9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
1:30-5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6
12:30-4 p.m.
4:30-8 p.m.
If you’re 18 years old or older, sign up to volunteer for one of these events here.
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