WISH TREE 2011

WISHTree is a toy drive sponsored by WISH-TV8 which benefits The Salvation Army.  It’s just part of a long standing Christmas partnership between WISH-TV and The Salvation Army, which includes WISH-TV8’s Eric Halvorson as the annual Salvation Army Tree of Lights Chair. WISH on-air personalities also give their time ringing bells and volunteering at The Salvation Army Toy Distribution.

In 2010, we collected and gave out over 9,500 toys, and helped more than 800 local families give christmas gifts to their kids.

Don’t miss these opportunities to donate toys:

• Toy Collection at Lucas Oil Stadium on Novevember 27 prior to the Colts game
• Toy Collection at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 29 prior to the Butler Bulldogs game
• Toy Collection at Christmas at the Zoo on December 1

This year, we are expecting a record number of families to apply for assistance, so your generosity is crucial.

You can also make your donation at any Ed Martin Auto Dealership, MCL Restaurant and Bakery, and Huntington Bank.

Bulldog Fans Deliver More Toys for Toy Shop

As Butler Bulldog fans entered the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse last night, they brought with them their now famous enthusiasm for the Dawgs and some new toys for families in need.

For the third year in a row, the Bulldogs supported the WISH-TV, Salvation Army Toy Drive by collecting toys prior to tip-off of the Butler Bulldog game at Hinkle Fieldhouse.  Fans showed their support by donating more than 250 toys along with some cash donations which will be used to purchase toys.  On hand to thank fans was Danielle, the Face of MyIndy-TV. Read more

Raining Toys At Lucas Oil Stadium

With the rain on Sunday, also came toys – to the annual Colts/WISH Tree toy collection outside Lucas Oil. Colts fans delivered nearly 2,250 toys, many also donating cash as they hurried into the stadium to escape the rain. Nothing will stop those Colts fans and some even slowed to chat with the WISH-TV8 personalities who rang bells along with volunteers at all gates. Much like our Colts Coat Collection in October, the weather was dismal but donations were only slightly hampered – numbers a few hundred less than last year’s collection.

Read more

WISH Tree Applications Open Now Through December 1, 2011

The Salvation Army will be accepting applications for this year’s WISH Tree/Tree of Lights Christmas assistance now -  every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through December 1st. The Eagle Creek, Fountain Square and Central City Corps Community Centers will be open from 5pm-8pm Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9am-Noon on Saturdays except Thanksgiving, November 24th and the following Saturday, November 26th.

Applications must be done in person. You must be employed or in school to be eligible for this program.

The following items are required in order to apply for Christmas assistance:

• Picture ID for all adults in the household
• Social Security Card (passport, green card) for all adults in the household
• Social Security Card and Birth Certificate (or Medicaid card) for each child
• Combined household income statements
• Proof of employment or school status for head of household
• Proof of address

**Incomplete applications will not be considered

Eligible applicants will be invited to a “Toy Shop” where they can choose new gifts for each approved child in the household.

Application Sites:

Eagle Creek Corps Community Center
4400 N High School Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46254

Fountain Square Corps Community Center
1337 Shelby St
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Central City Corps Community Center
234 E Michigan St
Indianapolis, IN 4620