“It was great to be able to help those in need at Christmas time,” said Kara Bray of the Salvation Army. “We had a lot of sponsors come forward and help after the word was put out that we needed some help.”
The Salvation Army of Hamilton delivered gifts to Angel Tree families on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, said Salvation Army Maj. Persi Sanclemente.
According to Sanclemente, demand for the program has grown over the years and it has become harder to help every family that needs it.
“The need for help has grown and we really need other businesses or corporations to help support and potentially underwrite the cost involved in order to provide for the children,” she said.
This year, not all the children received coats and toys,” according to Sanclemente because of the increased demand.
“But we did purchase some toys in order to make sure every child received at least two items,” she said.
All of the families helped lived in Butler County and were “very gracious and understanding” about the Salvation Army’s thin budget, Sanclemente said.
She noted that donors come from businesses in the community, service clubs and individuals “who are generous and want to make sure our children have a merry Christmas.”
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.
“It is called the Angel Tree program and the reality is that the sponsor is the angel on behalf of the child,” Sanclemente said.
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.
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