Salvation Army spreads hope with its Angel Tree program
Nearly 2,000 toys and clothing items were donated to the Salvation Army for children to open on Christmas.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Salvation Army is making some children’s Christmas wishes come true with its Angel Tree gift program.
As families across Middle Georgia finish up shopping for gifts with less than one week until Chirstmas, there are still some who need help putting presents under the tree.
That’s why volunteers gathered at the Salvation Army of Greater Macon Tuesday morning, to distribute gifts for more than 600 children to open this Christmas, after nearly 2,000 toys and clothing items were donated to the Salvation Army.
According to Salvation Army Sergeant, Sarah Sturdivant, the Angel Tree is a tradition that’s been alive since 1970.
“One of the things I always ask a donor when they bring their gifts back is that you have fun shopping for them. And they always say, yes, that it was such a good time,” said Sturdivant .
She explains that donors selected a child who was registered for the program. The donors then purchase three things from the child’s wish list. She says it’s a way to ease the stress some families may feel during the holidays, and bring hope to their children.
“We have so many children in our community in need, and Christmas may not be something joyful for them,” said Sturdivant. “It may be something stressful for their moms and dads who come through our doors to register their children.”
Sturdivant says the message of the Angel Tree is to spread the love of Jesus, and bring the community together.
“For us to be able to work alongside the community and gather these toys and these clothes and to be able to present those to the families on distribution day is everything,” she said.
You can stay up to date on the Angel Tree program and other events through the Salvation Army of Greater Macon’s Facebook page. You can also donate to the Salvation Army through its Red Kettle campaign now, until Christmas eve.
