Sharing Hope in the Face of Grief
The impact of The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program goes well beyond the families receiving Christmas gifts. As we have seen in Posey County, the program impacts donors just as greatly as it does the families in need.
The Posey County team collaborates with local churches and agencies to help families sign up for their Christmas assistance program. Rather than a standard protocol for children to be “adopted” by the community, volunteer and Angel Tree lead Beth Russell is able to match donors with families based on their specific needs. Whether a donor wants to sponsor multiple families, a specific child, or donate money to be used as needed, the community know to contact Beth and she will help them share their gifts.
One particular donor was able to turn grief into hope by contributing to the Christmas program this year. This woman’s family had experienced two significant losses – her husband grieved the loss of his 18-month-old daughter from a previous marriage, while her brother had lost his son at 18 years of age.
The woman told Beth that she hung stockings for them every year, but also wanted to honor them by giving back. This year for the Posey County Christmas program, she provided a gift of socks and a stuffed animal, suited for an 18-month-old girl, as well as socks and a bottle of cologne, suited for an 18-year-old boy, to honor the memory of these two loved ones who had passed on.
Even in moments of grief and hardship, it is truly inspiring to see individuals who seek to help others. We are so grateful to the communities that help us meet human needs this Christmas, and all year round. Thank you so much for your continued support of The Salvation Army’s mission.