It's a Christmas Miracle. Angel Tree helps 5,294 Central Indiana Children.
When Christmas morning dawns just a week from today, there will be 5,294 extra big smiles in central Indiana. Yesterday was the first day of The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree distribution that will continue, and be completed today.
Back in November, all 5,294 Angel Tree tags were printed to represent each of these children. The tags listed the child’s name, age, clothing and shoe sizes, Christmas wants, and real needs. From warm boots to school uniforms, these needs are what make the Angel Tree program truly unique. The “Angels” in the program receive more than just toys and games for Christmas; they also receive much-needed clothing, bedding, and hygiene items. During the distribution yesterday, we gave out over 4,000 bags, and the remaining bags will be handed out today at our Angel Tree distribution center.
This was truly an incredible amount of children, which meant that The Salvation Army needed the communities support to ensure that every child was remembered on Christmas morning. Local companies stepped up, and adopted hundreds of angels. And shoppers at Castleton Square and Greenwood Park malls had a chance to choose an Angel from special trees in the malls and later drop off the filled Angel Tree bags for The Salvation Army to collect. These generous shoppers and organizations opened their hearts to a family in need this holiday season.
It is such a blessing to see the parents come to the Angel Tree distribution center over the past day and a half and receive their children’s Angel Tree bags. Donors were so generous that many items simply wouldn’t fit in bags – gifts like bicycles, kitchen sets, and needs like beds and strollers.
“Thank you to the hundreds of you who gave your time and resources to make Christmas bright for these children. You are each a blessing to their families and our community” said Captain Brianne Bowers, Salvation Army Officer, and Angel Tree Coordinator. “As the last bag is handed out this evening, we want you to know that you have made difference.”
God Bless you and Merry Christmas!