Deserving family blessed with gifts from Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, Walmart
The Salvation Army and Walmart teamed up Dec. 21 to surprise a deserving local family with an abundance of gifts to put under their Christmas tree.
Lauren and her 4-year-old daughter, Hazel, came to the Brooklyn Park Salvation Army and were blown away to see dozens of wrapped gifts for them and Lauren’s two sons.
“I’ve never been more happy in my life,” Lauren said.
Lauren has overcome many adversities in her life, including drug addiction, physical abuse, and homelessness. Several years ago, she spent five months living in a shelter for victims of domestic violence. She was able to leave the shelter after The Salvation Army reached out to her and offered permanent supportive housing.
Lauren has been making positive steps ever since. She has been sober for four years, and she recently started working at the same shelter where she once received help. (Watch a video about Lauren.)
“To work in the same shelter I lived in for months … I just love it,” Lauren said. “I love that I can be that person to give others hope.”
Lauren’s gifts were made possible through The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, which provides holiday gifts for hundreds of thousands of children nationwide while offering opportunities for Walmart customers to give back in-store and online through Spark Good, Walmart’s community giving and resource platform.
This holiday season, The Salvation Army is calling on all of our supporters to Love Beyond. #LoveBeyond is a national Salvation Army campaign that encourages people to put love above all else, in order to show families in need that love exists beyond their most difficult situations – be it hunger, overdue bills, eviction, addiction, and other hardships. Join us by giving a donation, signing up to volunteer, or ringing bells at a Red Kettle.