The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree adoption has opened for the holiday season, but this year, the need is greater than ever.
“The MS Gulf Coast has always been the most generous this time of year in giving gifts so that children within our community can have a magical Christmas,” says Major Jerry Friday of The Salvation Army. “We are asking everyone to consider adopting an angel this year so that no child in need gets left out.”
Angel Tree aids over 1100 area families in the local area who are in need or in crisis each year by providing gifts and clothing for their children along with all the items needed for Christmas breakfast and dinner. Many local families depend on the help of The Salvation Army as they face the difficult decision of whether to pay rent and utilities or give their children Christmas. While the economy appears to be improving, thousands of homes continue to struggle under the weight of financial hardship.
“We are seeing an increase in the demand for assistance this year,” Major Friday said. “It’s clear that many in our area are still in need.”
The Angel Tree process is straightforward. Once a child is registered as an Angel, their Christmas wish list is shared with donors, who purchase new clothing and toys. Once the adopter has completed their shopping, they bring their Angel’s wish list tag and new gifts to The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army volunteers and staff spend the following weeks grouping the Angels by family to be distributed to parents and caregivers the weekend before Christmas.
“We have plenty of angels that need to be adopted,” Major Friday said. “We know our community will come through for us, just like they always have.”
For more information or to learn how to adopt, contact Major Jerry Friday at Jerry.Friday@uss.salvationarmy.org.
