The Salvation Army is happy to announce that the Angel Trees are back on the Peninsula, and there’s still time to give some presents to children in need!
According to Captain Monica, the Officer of the Salvation Army, there are two stores that currently have angel trees, Walmart in Kenai, and Fred Meyer in Soldotna. The Salvation Army does have an agreement with these two stores to have all gifts in by December 18th, but getting everything done by the 14th would be preferred.
Considering that the trees are filled with tags, it may seem as if it would take a Christmas miracle to get everyone gifts. But the amazing thing about this project is that every child gets a toy. The Salvation Army works with Harley Davidson to make sure no child is left behind.
“And so there’s the Elks club and the Harley Davidson. They provide just extra toys that aren’t designated and then that helps fill in those extra gaps where someone, you know, maybe someone didn’t get a tag filled or something like that.” (4:06)
But it’s not just the children who fill out a tag on a tree who are getting help. The Salvation Army is also working with Wildwood Correctional Center to give gifts to the children of inmates. The parent or guardian of the child will write a note of what they believe their child would enjoy, and then the Salvation Army works to fulfill that wish.
“What we do is, we work with volunteers to wrap all of those gifts, and then mail them in the mail and it looks like it’s from their guardian or parent or guardian. It doesn’t say like the Salvation Army sent you like that. So it’s really sweet because the kids can get something from their parents that they can’t otherwise.” (5:20)
Captain Monica says that her favorite thing about this time of year is that they can really make a difference for the families that are struggling, and know that the Salvation Army can make the tough times a little easier.
“We’re here to help and the money stays in the community that you don’t eat in the kettle or, you know, the toys, stay in the community and we’re just here to help the community bless the people.” (8:20)
The Salvation Army is working to make sure that this year, every child has a gift to open on Christmas. But they need your help to make this wish come true! So stop by the Kenai Walmart or Fred Meyer in Soldotna, and give a gift to a child in need!