The Salvation Army Angel Tree distribution has begun after several months of preparation and community participation.
The Angel Tree program seeks to help “provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year.” The Salvation Army then shares the wishlists of those registered with donors, and “the gifts are distributed to the family to place under their family Christmas tree.”
Volunteers have been going through the Salvation Army warehouse to find the perfect gifts to fulfill Angels’ wishlists.
Volunteers’ workload has increased this year, as participants in need have upped by 20% this holiday season.
Major Dawn McFarland of the Salvation Army of North Texas said it was shocking to realize the high need. “We were a little frightened. How were we going to fulfill a 20% increase? … North Texas showed up, and they showed up Texas-sized!” she said.
One volunteer, Toni Burt, told NBC that she had accrued around 6,000 steps helping the Salvation Army speed shop. This year is Burt’s first participation, but she anticipates coming back next year. “And I’ll do it again, and again, and again,” she explained.
The Salvation Army has also announced they are still in need of volunteers for the holiday season. For example, the Plano food pantry and office expressed a lack of volunteers during the Christmas season up to the end of December.
The Salvation Army also has a continuing opportunity for volunteers at their Mabee Center Worship Service throughout the year. As the distribution of the Angel Tree gifts begins in earnest, there are likely opportunities to assist further in the program.
Interested people can view a full list of volunteer opportunities at the Salvation Army here.
