May 25, 2013
The Salvation Army has sponsored the Angel Tree Program annually to spread a little Christmas cheer to underprivileged children throughout the Wiregrass.
Wiregrass Commons Mall is the most popular place to pick out an angel to shop for. Each angel has the name, age and size of the child, along with one gift that the child specifically asked for.
You can always buy more than one gift or choose more than one angel, but the Salvation Army reminds people to set realistic goals to help.
About 1,000 families and 2,500 kids were helped through this program last year.
This year, the Salvation Army expects the number to increase dramatically because of the tornado that swept through Abbeville last month. The recent disaster has the Salvation Army relying heavily on the community's support.
Unfortunately, not everybody who takes an angel brings back a gift and there are always last minute kids who didn't get their names on the tree.
The Salvation Army is encouraging people to continue bringing in unwrapped new gifts to the Salvation Army or one of the Angel Tree participating locations.
Here is a list of the locations:
wtvynews4.com Extended Web Coverage
The Salvation Army Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The History of the Salvation Army in the South
The Salvation Army in the United States is divided into four territories. The administrative center of the Southern Territory is in Atlanta, Georgia. The USA Southern Territory comprises 15 southern states and is divided into nine divisions.
Source: http://www.salvationarmysouth.org/about.htm (The Salvation Army Web site) contributed to this report.
