Salvation Army seeks donations for Modesto homeless shelter

The Salvation Army’s Modesto Citadel Corps is asking for donations of toiletries, bedding, underwear and socks ahead of the Nov.3 opening of its winter shelter. The shelter has 80 beds for men and 20 for women during cold weather months.

The corps needs shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, lotion, toothbrushes and toothpaste for homeless people who will use the shelter.

The corps also is seeking volunteer bell ringers Nov. 14 to Dec. 24 to stand with its red kettles to raise money for the corps’ holiday and winter programs. For instance, the corps gave away holiday food and toys to more than 1,300 families last year before Christmas. Those families represented more than 5,500 people, including about 2,600 children, corps officials said last year.

Volunteers can serve as little as two hours a week. The corps also is seeking families and businesses to volunteer at one of its red kettles for one day. The corps will have about 40 of the distinctive kettles at shopping centers, grocery stores and other locations throughout the Modesto area.

Donations of toiletries, bedding and other items can be dropped off at the shelter, 320 Ninth St., or at the corps office, 625 I St. People interested in volunteering as bell ringers may call the corps office at (209) 522-3209.

This story was originally published October 26, 2014 at 9:59 PM with the headline "Salvation Army seeks donations for Modesto homeless shelter."