The Salvation Army fears without more Angel Tree sponsors to meet the increase in request for assistance many children may be forgotten this Christmas. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program registrations are currently on hold, because more than half of the 2,400 children that have already registered have not been matched with an Angel Tree host partner. In 2019, The Salvation Army provided nearly 4,000 children with gifts through its Angel Tree program. This year even more support will be required to meet the growing need.

The Angel Tree Program is one of The Salvation Army’s highest-profile Christmas efforts. Thousands of children in need across Lee, Hendry, and Glades will experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning thanks to the generous donors and volunteers who support the Angel Tree Program. This year presents a new challenge for The Salvation Army, as many families are still struggling to make ends meet due to the novel coronavirus and job loss.

Angel Trees are located at businesses, organizations, church groups, and club houses in support of The Salvation Army during the holidays. The trees are decorated with paper angel tags representing a child who may not receive a gift for Christmas without this program.

“This year within days of opening registration more than 2,400 children are registered and only 1,000 have been allocated to business and organizations that help us meet those needs. We are asking for help from our communities to help during these unprecedented times.”

“The Angel Tree program helps fulfill a wish and a need to children who otherwise wouldn’t receive anything on Christmas,” said Major Charlotte Gargis, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “When individuals and businesses choose an Angel to adopt, they’re helping us deliver the message of Christmas to those in need. This year has been a challenge and we have seen our requests for help skyrocket. Our fear is being unable to fulfill all those requests.”

To learn more about how you or your organization can be an Angel Tree Host, call 239.278.1551