It's a story that is now gaining national attention. A Houston newspaper reported that local charities like the Salvation Army are checking the immigration status of children and their parents before giving them Christmas toys, prompting a public outcry. But the charities say they're being misunderstood.
The Salvation Army is known for helping needy families during the holidays through its annual kettle drive as well as its massive toy drive, but now it is under fire; accused of discriminating against illegal immigrants after a Houston Chronicle article reported the charity requires proof of citizenship or legal residency from families who want to register to receive donations.
"What we are adamantly denying is that we discriminate against children or parents who have and illegal status," said Juan Alanis, a Salvation Army spokesperson.
The faith-based non-profit organization said at a time when donations are down by more than 10 percent, and registration of needy families are up 20 percent, it's more important then ever to have measures in place to prevent abuse of its programs.
The story has prompted a major debate among local residents on whether illegal immigrants should be entitled to receive charitable donations.
"I agree that illegal immigrants should be able to get it," said Jennifer Weaver.
"I'm happy to support whoever, but I'm happy to support citizens first," said Natalie Aide. "Make sure they are getting everything that they need. Then if there is a surplus, then we can help the people who are not legal."
"I think the Salvation Army should turn a blind eye to whether you're a citizen of this country or not," said Christopher Ramsey.
"Is this a perfect program? Perhaps not," said Alanis. "Now that we have received this attention, perhaps we will revisit how we do things in the future."
We're told the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program does not allow children to register unless at least one member of the family, be it a parent or sibling, present a social security number. Families who don't have a social security number will likely be referred to other agencies.
The Salvation Army is not the only charity that came under fire.
The Outreach Program Inc., which distributes toys collected by the Houston Fire Department, was also accused of discriminating against illegal immigrants; something they deny.
"This is creating a lot of confusion," said HFD Chief Adrian Trevino. "And has really tarnished some really good organizations and we hope that donations won't suffer."
HFD's annual toy drive will be kicking off Wednesday, December 2 and will last through December 18. Donors are asked to drop off new and unwrapped toys at any fire station.
The Salvation Army is known for helping needy families during the holidays through its annual kettle drive as well as its massive toy drive, but now it is under fire; accused of discriminating against illegal immigrants after a Houston Chronicle article reported the charity requires proof of citizenship or legal residency from families who want to register to receive donations.
"What we are adamantly denying is that we discriminate against children or parents who have and illegal status," said Juan Alanis, a Salvation Army spokesperson.
The faith-based non-profit organization said at a time when donations are down by more than 10 percent, and registration of needy families are up 20 percent, it's more important then ever to have measures in place to prevent abuse of its programs.
The story has prompted a major debate among local residents on whether illegal immigrants should be entitled to receive charitable donations.
"I agree that illegal immigrants should be able to get it," said Jennifer Weaver.
"I'm happy to support whoever, but I'm happy to support citizens first," said Natalie Aide. "Make sure they are getting everything that they need. Then if there is a surplus, then we can help the people who are not legal."
"I think the Salvation Army should turn a blind eye to whether you're a citizen of this country or not," said Christopher Ramsey.
"Is this a perfect program? Perhaps not," said Alanis. "Now that we have received this attention, perhaps we will revisit how we do things in the future."
We're told the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program does not allow children to register unless at least one member of the family, be it a parent or sibling, present a social security number. Families who don't have a social security number will likely be referred to other agencies.
The Salvation Army is not the only charity that came under fire.
The Outreach Program Inc., which distributes toys collected by the Houston Fire Department, was also accused of discriminating against illegal immigrants; something they deny.
"This is creating a lot of confusion," said HFD Chief Adrian Trevino. "And has really tarnished some really good organizations and we hope that donations won't suffer."
HFD's annual toy drive will be kicking off Wednesday, December 2 and will last through December 18. Donors are asked to drop off new and unwrapped toys at any fire station.
