Angel Tree Distribution 2019
Each year, we prepare to make Christmas wishes come true by providing assistance to children in need across central Indiana. The Salvation Army believes that all children should experience the joy of Christmas, regardless of their family situation. In 2015, the Angel Tree program was introduced to central Indiana, and the number of children in need has continued to grow each year. In 2019, we had over 7,000 children in central Indiana register to receive Christmas assistance – our largest number to date! To qualify for the Angel Tree, families must show a financial need. If they meet the program criteria, they can register any children in the household that are 12 years of age or younger.
Various donors, community members, and local businesses pulled together to sponsor a child and shop for personalized gifts from their “wish list” – a list of wants and needs provided by their parents. While popular toys and electronics are at the top of their lists, many families also ask for basic necessities such as clothing, diapers, winter coats and boots, hygiene products, and beds. Sponsors returned the gift bags to our Divisional Headquarters and community centers. All bags were individually checked for quality assurance and Angel bags were distributed to families at our Angel Tree Distribution Center from December 17 – 19.
Volunteers and employees alike had a great time hand-delivering gifts to the receiving families; it truly was a heartwarming experience! We absolutely loved seeing smiles on the faces of children and parents receiving their Angel gift bags and spreading the true meaning of Christmas to Hoosier families. See more highlights from Angel Tree Distribution.
In addition to giving Angel gift bags, we also included ministry bags that included Christmas books for children and their parents, a hand-made olive wood cross from Jerusalem, and information about our community centers in Indianapolis. We also were able to give additional stocking stuffers, books, pajamas, and wrapping paper with each Angel gift bag.
Angel Tree 2019 was a complete success! We would like to extend a special thank you to our corporate partners, sponsors, and community members who donated to the Angel Tree program this year. Your generosity made it possible to give the gift of Christmas to each and every child who signed up to receive assistance this year.