WINK News viewers step up to help Salvation Army’s ‘Forgotten Angels’

Reporter: Anika Henanger Writer: Jackie Winchester
Published: Updated:
WINK News viewers stepped up to help fill a nearly empty warehouse with gifts for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. (Credit: WINK News)

A special group stepped up to help those in need have a very merry Christmas.

The Salvation Army is sending a big thank-you to you, WINK News viewers, who saw our stories and donated to the Angel Tree program.

A nearly empty warehouse two weeks ago is now nearly full thanks to your generosity, and 15 new volunteers have signed up, though more are still welcome.
“Our phones have been ringing and people are bringing back their gifts – tremendously,” said Maj. Charlotte Gargis with the Salvation Army.

Nearly 2,500 angels still needed gifts on Monday, but not anymore. You stepped up, adopting those angels, remembering the children, their families, and their needs.

“There’s just some beautiful, beautiful gifts and toys, clothing and other things that I’ve been given. It’s really nice, nice gift packages that have been put together for these children,” said Denise Frueh, a Salvation Army volunteer.

“People have big hearts. Especially when they know it’s going directly to a family in need.”

While there are still some forgotten angels, the Salvation Army is now calling on you again, this time to volunteer to sort, wrap and deliver the gifts.

While this isn’t quite a Christmas miracle, the Salvation Army believes the holiday spirit in strong in you. So strong, in fact, that “we will not let any child be forgotten.”

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.

If you’d like to volunteer to help sort, wrap and deliver the gifts, you can find information here.

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