The Salvation Army kicked off its Angel Tree program Friday at Central Mall. The program allows people in the community to adopt an angel for Christmas and to purchase presents for that child or senior citizen.
"We took 845 angel applications for children and we took an additional 42 for seniors," said Sann Terry, corporate and community relations for The Salvation Army. "We've been doing the Angel Tree program for last 39 years. Without this program being in place, these disenfranchised children and seniors that would not have received anything, so the community is the one that really makes this project work. They purchase the items for these children. Without the community, we wouldn't have a program to begin with. We're so thankful for the community that comes together every year to provide these children and seniors with basic things they need in life."
Tags hanging on the trees contain information about the child including a couple of toys they'd like and clothing sizes.
"The parents are allowed to ask for two toys that have to total under $50 and an outfit and pajamas," Terry said. "That's all we ask of the community. They normally go way beyond that and purchase much nicer things for the children but we're just asking for the basics."
Trees are in Central Mall and Crocker's Jewelers right now. Next week more trees will be added in all the local Walmart stores and other locations.
The gifts are due back Dec. 8.
"We ask that they turn them back in wherever they pick the tag," Terry said.
The program means a lot to the families who are helped.
"Just for these children to receive anything under the tree is a gift. The community has been such a giving community for The Salvation Army. Families tell us everyday without the community or the Salvation Army they wouldn't receive a gift at all. They just weren't able financially. A lot of the families have multiple children and are barely making it on minimum wage jobs so this is their only avenue to really give to the children," Terry said.