Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program needs a boost to fulfill mission

Thousands of children in our area are hoping you will fulfill their holiday wishes this year.

The Salvation Army had a record number of requests for gifts in its Angel Tree Program, but the fewest number of people are stepping up to make donations in 2020.

Carrie Radovan personally knows how important it is when a child sees a special gift under the tree. She’s a former recipient through the Salvation Army’s holiday program.

“So Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program helped out a lot for those gifts that we weren’t able to get,” Radovan said. “It helped us because I was a single mom of four kids, working, paying the bills. Paying the rent was always at the top of the list.”

Plenty of kids don’t understand the struggle so many parents feel, especially this year. Many children also won’t understand why there might not be a gift this Christmas.

“I know they would’ve been devastated and heartbroken,” Radovan said.

The Salvation Army is ringing the bell loudly, so no child is forgotten and heartbroken.

“Every piece of paper represents a family,” said Maj. Charlotte Gargis. “Every letter on the square represents a family so every bag represents an angel that’s been fulfilled.”

Donors can still purchase items and have them sent directly to the Angel Tree Warehouse through the Walmart-Salvation Army partnership. If something is out of stock in Walmart’s online inventory, items can be purchased via Amazon.

The last day to adopt a “Forgotten Angel” and make their Christmas wish happen is Dec. 11.

“Knowing that this program is struggling a little bit kind of hits home for me, so kind of breaks my heart a little bit,” Radovan said.

Radovan believes there is holiday magic. That’s why she’s now a volunteer at The Salvation Army.

“I’m able to give back,” Radovan said. “That’s the whole concept of the Angel Tree Program is to help other families in need.”

MORE:

• Walmart and Salvation Army join forces