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Donations sought for Angel Tree program
Published November 23, 2009
As shoppers seek out the perfect gift on Black Friday, the Salvation Army is looking for a lot of angels who’ll provide gifts for low-income children and senior citizens.
The Salvation Army will kick off its Angel Tree efforts starting Friday.
“We’re seeing more of a need,” Salvation Army Capt. Lola Maldonado said.
Many area programs that provide gifts for low-income children are having a hard time fulfilling their usual Christmas lists, she said.
“They’re turning to us asking what we can do,” she said.
The Salvation Army registered 479 families this year for the program, said Yesenia Rios, Angel Tree coordinator. Families are eligible for the program if their income is below federal poverty guidelines, which is about $22,000 a year for a family of four, Maldonado said.
Residents can grab an angel-shaped cutout at the Angel Trees and buy clothes or gifts for the child listed on it. The trees are at Brazos Mall, and the Walmart Supercenters in Pearland, Lake Jackson, Angleton and Alvin.
“They pick an angel and it has the directions on it,” Rios said.
Residents can donate to the Angel Tree program up until Dec. 11. The gifts will be delivered to the families Dec. 17.
The gifts can include toys, hand-held games, action figures, clothes and educational items, Rios said.
“This year we noticed a lot more are asking for musical instruments,” she said.
Volunteers are looking for about $25 at least for each child, said Jimmie Birmingham, a Salvation Army board member.
Senior citizens are seeking items such as books, appliances, towels, shoes or hobby materials, she said.
The Salvation Army will try to find money to buy toys for the children whose angels are not picked up, Rios said.
Though many families are having hard times financially during the slumping economy, Maldonado said the community has always supported the program.
Birmingham said she has spent more time than usual visiting community organizations, hoping to make sure the program has enough toys.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of local groups,” “We’re working real hard to try and get them filled — any way we can.”
Other than the Angel Tree locations, some area businesses also have angels available, Rios said.
For information, call 979-233-5420.
John Tompkins is senior reporter for The Facts. Contact him at 979-849-8581.
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