Tree of Lights raises funds for treatment

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Salvation Army launched its Tree of Lights campaign Thursday. The fundraising goal is bigger than ever because the needs are bigger than ever.

Every year, the 24-Hour News 8 team takes to the streets donning hats, gloves and bells for a great cause. Last year, through the donations of Hoosiers, 974 families received toys through the WISH Tree Toy Drive .

But spreading Christmas joy is just a portion of what the Salvation Army does for Hoosiers in need.

24-Hour News 8 anchor Eric Halvorson launched the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign, their biggest fundraiser of the year.

"Starting today and through the end of January, the Salvation Army hopes to raise its goal of $3 million," said Major Vicki Amick of the Salvation Army.

That's a quarter of a million dollars more than last year. That's because requests for assistance are up 16 percent this year for everything from food to clothing to shelter.

The three million dollars will support programs at places such as Harbor Light, the Salvation Army's treatment facility for those with addictions.

"My addiction cost me my home. It cost me my family. It cost me my life," said Marla Churchill, a woman being treated for drug addiction at Harbor Light.

Churchill said she found hope through recovery.

"I want to live a clean life. I want to come back to being a good mother, a good daughter, a good niece, a good friend," Churchill said.

She's part of Harbor Light's residential treatment program, a program that costs $2,800. But clients are asked to pay a fraction of that and no one is turned away because of inability to pay.

Through the giving of generous Hoosiers, you assure that the Salvation Army continues to bring help and hope.

WISH-TV staff will be ringing bells all day Friday on Monument Circle. Please come donate and greet WISH anchors and reporters.