Angel Teen Program Is One-of-a-Kind
For 29 years, The Salvation Army of Kent County has partnered with WOOD TV8 (the Grand Rapids-based NBC Network affiliate) to provide over ½ million children in West Michigan with toys at Christmas through the Angel Tree Toy Drive.
With generous media assistance of WOOD TV8, The Salvation Army consistently serves 2,500 households (toys for 6,500 children) in Grand Rapids and a whopping 10,000 households (toys for 25,000 children) in West Michigan through eight participating Salvation Army Corps Community Centers.
Every year, thousands of young children experience the joy of opening gifts on Christmas morning, thanks to the Angel Tree campaign. However, often their teenage siblings feel left behind. Originally conceived as a ‘special project’ in 2011 by eightWest (a WOOD TV news / information program segment), the idea of an Angel Teen was born and has become an important part of the overall Angel Tree campaign. Gift cards to major area retailers are the preferred Angel Teen donation – however traditional gifts for teens are gratefully accepted.
“As a single mom with three teenagers, I need to tell you how much I appreciate the assistance provided by The Salvation Army every Christmas. There is no way I could provide my kids the Christmas they deserve without your help. Things are getting better for us but we still have a long, long way to go before we’re totally self-sufficient. The Angel Teen program is a blessing that helps me smooth out some of those rough spots, especially at Christmas.
I’m the first to admit that it’s sometimes a challenge when you’re dealing with teenagers. But The Salvation Army has already figured things out for you – by providing gift cards and age-appropriate gifts that are perfect. Merry Christmas – and thank you again!” -- Sarah