The Salvation Army began their annual toy drive Angel Tree, but they have only met the halfway mark on gifts. They want your help to guarantee families will receive their toys before the holiday weekend.
“These kids, the things that they need are stuff that aren’t stuff that’s commonly thought about, which is very humbling and it reminds you of the reason for the Christmas season, you know? Giving and helping others,” said Lieutenant Whitney Houston, assistant corps officer.
They are expecting to give toys to 500 families, and some have high hopes.
“I think he’s looking for a bike this year,” said Jared Gonzales, whose family is receiving Angel Tree gifts for the first year.
“They were asking me if Santa’s coming again. I was like, ‘You’ve been good so far, so yeah,'” said Ramona Pena, whose family is receiving Angel Tree gifts for the second year. “I’m very excited. My kids are excited. They think Santa’s on their way.”
The toy drive will continue until this Thursday, so there is still time to give to these families.
“This is amazing. One of the angels needs a bed, a whole bed. And I was actually at the mall when someone picked that angel, and was like, ”Oh they need a bed!” And they bought a bed for the angel and we have that bed, and it’s waiting to go,” said Lieutenant Houston.
If you have chosen an angel, the Salvation Army urges you to bring the gift as soon as you can. You can bring a donation to their mall location (between JCPenny and Beals) or their headquarters at 1111 NW 16th Street.
Those receiving gifts want to thank you and the Salvation Army for the generous donations.
“I just want to tell them thank you and I appreciate everything they’re doing to make it possible for my son to have Christmas this year,” said Gonzales.
“Thank you very much. God bless them. Thank you for everything they have done this year for me. It’s a blessing. And we have Christmas again this year,” said Pena.
