The Salvation Army Austin has commenced preparations for its annual Angel Tree program, which aims to bring joy to thousands of children in the community. Although it is only September, the organization is already laying the groundwork for the holiday season.
Since 1979, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program has fulfilled the Christmas wishes and needs of children up to 12 years old throughout Central Texas. On September 3rd, applications opened for families in need to apply, providing The Salvation Army with a Christmas wish list for each child that includes new toys, games, clothing, and shoe sizes. Donors and volunteers can then "adopt" these angels and fill an Angel Tree bag with gifts chosen according to the wish lists. Gifts are distributed to parents a week before Christmas day.
Marta Santana, a mother whose children benefited from the Angel Tree program, shared her story. After a car accident left her and her two children injured, she turned to the program in hopes of bringing joy to her children during a difficult time. Her children's wish lists were filled with humble requests, each concluding with: "I’ll thank God for whatever I get." Marta discovered she could even request gifts for her unborn baby due in December. She expressed that without the Angel Tree program, Christmas would have been impossible for her family.
Families across Central Texas are in need of assistance this holiday season. The Angel Tree Program is dedicated to helping families like the Santanas by preparing thousands of gifts for children.
To learn more about how you can get involved in this year’s Angel Tree Program, please visit DoingMostGood.org/Angel.
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