Make Christmas Joyful for Children in Need
The holidays are a time of celebration. As families gather together to count their blessings, they wish each other glad tidings and experience children’s unbridled happiness. But sadly, thousands of children and families throughout Chicagoland will wake Christmas morning without toys, games or clothes under a tree.
You can bring the joy and wonder of the holidays to a child in need through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
By providing a gift, you will make sure a child doesn’t think he’s been forgotten during the holidays.
For many parents, gifts received through the Angel Tree program are the only ones their children will receive this Christmas. One particular mother was moved to tears when she was surprised with a bicycle for her 8-year-old daughter. “She asked for a bike, and I had one put on lay-away, but had to put it back because I couldn’t afford it,” said Felicia Falls, as she wiped away tears. “She will be so happy. This is the only thing she wanted for Christmas!”
Giving to a child in need as an Angel Tree donor is easy. Simply contact the nearest Salvation Army Corps to request Angel Tree tags with gift requests. There are opportunities for individuals, families, organizations and even corporations to contribute!
Once you've received your Angel Tree tags, purchase your gifts and return them (with the tags) to The Salvation Army. You may also ship the gifts and tags. The gifts are prepared for the families to pick up, along with a holiday food box with a complete Christmas dinner.
Angel Tree distribution days at each corps community center are a sight to behold! Parents arrive to collect their family's gifts, anticipating the joy their children will feel in the next few days. “I’m thankful to The Salvation Army,” said Michelle Gilmore. “The Kroc Center staff helped us create a nice Christmas this year. My children know the holidays are not just about gifts, but at the same time, they would like to see something under their tree.”
You can make a child's face light up this Christmas. To request your Angel Tree tags, call 773.205.3516 or visit salarmychicago.org/angeltree for more information.