Children who are recipients of Angel Tree gifts are from families who have applied for Christmas assistance through the Social Services program of The Salvation Army.
During the application process, the clothing sizes and special needs of the children are determined and written on the application and then transferred to paper “angels” along with the child’s first name, age and sex according to Salvation Army Maj. Persi Sanclemente.
“We are down from 500 to 379 children who that still need to get sponsors for the program,” she said. “It is called the Angel Tree program and the reality is that the sponsor is the angel on behalf of the child.”
The Angel Tree was launched in 1979 with the idea that the community would have a chance to become personally involved with the less fortunate by being able to provide gifts during the holiday season.
“This year our focus was a little bit different as we asked parents for their child’s coat and shoe sizes when we did interviews,” Sanclemente said. “So many parents would ask if we had clothes or shoes available, so we realized this was a major need. Some parents did not know their kid’s shoe size because it had been so long since they had been able to get shoes for them.”
She added that the idea of giving something useful is important to the Salvation Army, and she believes that the recipients and the “angels” agree.
“While kids enjoy toys, we believe it is a critical time in our community to give something enjoyable and usable this year,” Sanclemente said.
Teri James said she is a frequent donor to the program and thinks it is a great idea to give clothing and shoes, as well as toys, to needy kids this season.
“I usually try to give at least to two families, but I know times are tough for all people these days, and it is hard for people to donate like they used to,” she said.
Sanclemente said the Salvation Army realizes that people are strapped these days, but she is hoping to find individuals and businesses who might be able to collect the rest of the 379 “angel tags” and have the gifts delivered by Dec. 16, which is the deadline.
“I know Christmas seems a little farther away, but for us we need to get things delivered to us by Dec. 16 because we will start handing out gifts for families starting on Dec. 20.,” she said.
To pick up Angel Tags or find out how to be a part of the program call 513-863-1445 or email lsanclemente@use.salvationarmy.org.
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