Angel Tree Program Allows Hope to March On
Walmart and The Salvation Army are teaming up again this Christmas to help millions of children and families in need. We’re looking for supporters to join our efforts to provide new clothing and toys to more than 1 million children and families who are facing pandemic poverty.
Christmas is a magical time of year. Families celebrate the birth of Jesus and give gifts to one another as an expression of love and joy. What a beautiful reminder of hope and better days ahead for those who are struggling!
Sometimes individuals decide they want to be angels to others, so they select a wish list when they pass by an Angel Tree in a local Walmart store or shop online using the Walmart Registry for Good. They purchase the items listed and The Salvation Army distributes them to the families prior to the holiday. Children and elderly are eligible to participate in the program, and they receive gifts they need and will enjoy including warm clothing, toys, and books.
We have heard many stories about people who received gifts from The Salvation Army when they were little and how much it meant to them—so every year they feel called to give back. They reflect on how happy they were to receive a new pair of pajamas, a stuffed animal, or a board game when their family had no money to spend on Christmas presents. Other people participate in thanksgiving for the blessings God has given them including the gift of health, financial security, and their own families.
Businesses, community groups and clubs also feel called to participate in the Angel Tree program. Typically, they host a tree in a common area of their building, complete with multiple wish lists on it, and invite employees/members to select a wish list. This enables a larger amount of people to get involved and help multiple families in the community. It can be a fun team-building opportunity when everyone works together to select and purchase the items.
If you’re interested in making Christmas a little brighter for families in your neighborhood through our Angel Tree program, please start by locating The Salvation Army location nearest you. https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/location-search/