Project Angel Tree kicks off
Published: November 16, 2005
Monday, the Neellys were the first to adopt a child from the Angel Tree, the annual Salvation Army Christmas program for needy children. The Neellys’ pick is one of more than 1,500 children on the list.
“We do this every year,” the mayor said. “We just want to make some child’s Christmas better.”
Mary Green, a member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, said the program is for children ages 12 and under. Typically, all the children ask for a bike. Also popular this year are the Bratz dolls.
“We’ve also had an increase in mothers asking for educational toys,” she said.
People who adopt an angel can expect to spend about $75 on that child.
The deadline to turn in gifts is Dec. 12, and they will be distributed to parents Dec. 21. Capt. Philip Swyers said they should be unwrapped.
“We go through each bag to make sure there are no (toy) guns or anything inappropriate,” he said.
Included on the list are more than 100 children whose families evacuated to this area after Hurricane Katrina, he said. That only adds to the urgency of the program.
To help with adoptions, the Salvation Army is encouraging businesses and industries to donate money or encourage employees to adopt angels.
“We let people do payroll deductions,” said Ann Briggs, controller at PeopLoungers furniture manufacturer. “They can donate 25 cents up to however much they want into the fund. When the tree goes up, we use that money to adopt.”
This year, PeopLoungers employees contributed $2,500.
“We hope to do more next year,” she said.
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: