Staff Report
• Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - With only [six] days left before the deadline for all Angel Tree gifts to be returned, The Salvation Army still has a few “forgotten angels” yet to be adopted, a press release detailed.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Odessa reportedly provides toys and Christmas gifts for more than 1,300 children each year.
Friday is the last day to adopt an “angel” as part of the annual program, the press release stated. The deadline to return the gifts is Dec. 14.
“Our community of donors, partners, and volunteers is what keeps The Salvation Army Angel Tree program alive year after year,” Major Luis Melendez of The Salvation Army stated in the press release. “Your kindness ensures every child has a gift to open on Christmas morning, and that parents don’t have to decide between paying bills or buying toys. Unfortunately, each year there are angel tags that aren’t selected, gifts that aren’t returned, or gifts brought to us after the deadline. These are our ‘forgotten angels.’”
The Salvation Army reportedly plans accordingly to provide gifts for forgotten angels and does everything possible to be sure that no child is left out.
“Each angel tag on the tree represents a child or a senior in need. We do include nameless angels on our trees that just specify a gender and age,” Melendez stated in the press release. “These gifts are used to fill the wishes of the forgotten angels. Our volunteers particularly enjoy working in The Salvation Army’s toy shop to select from these unassigned gifts to fulfill the wishes of the unadopted angels, making sure every child still receives gifts.”
Not only are program recipients filled with joy as they collect their gifts, but volunteers experience the joy of giving when serving in the Angel Tree program, the press release stated. Numerous companies and individuals alike make volunteering a tradition at Christmastime. Donors, businesses, and volunteers help create a lifetime of memories for children in need through The Salvation Army Angel Tree.
The Salvation Army reportedly needs bellringers this Christmas season with both paid and volunteer opportunities available.
“Ringing the bell for The Salvation Army is a great way to give back to your community,” Melendez stated in the press release. “Every dollar raised through the red kettle campaign helps provide food, shelter, and many other services to individuals and families in need, all year-round, right here in Odessa. Go to www.registertoring.com to sign up to ring the bell or call 432-332-0738.”
For more information about adopting an Angel, or current volunteer opportunities please call The Salvation Army at 432-332-0738 or visit us at 810 E 11th Street. Check out other ways you can give or get involved at www.SalvationArmyTexas.org/Odessa/.
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