Signup starts today for Salvation Army food, toy giveaways

Registration opens today for the Salvation Army's annual holiday food box program.

Applications will be available at the Salvation Army, 1000 C Ave. NW, through Nov. 20. The applications are available weekdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Applications also will be taken from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12 and Nov. 19.

The Salvation Army, Walmart, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Toys for Tots, Cedar Rapids Jaycees and other area partners collaborate every year on the program. Last year, the effort delivered boxes to more than 1,500 area homes.

Households earning up to 185 percent of the poverty level - $40,792 for a family of four - are eligible to apply for food boxes. Households with children up to 17 years old also qualify for the toy distribution.

Applicants must bring an Iowa-issued picture identification card, Social Security cards for each member of the family and proof of income. Acceptable documents to verify income include a Social Security statement or letter from the Social Security Administration stating income, 2008 income taxes, pay stubs from the last 30 days, a food stamp EBT card, a LIHEAP approval letter or a WIC packet.

For more information, contact The Salvation Army at (319) 364-9131.