Angel Tree Kicks Off For Annual Salvation Army Program

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – An annual outreach that allows members of the public to get toys for needy families kicks off today, November 13.

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” went up at Tupelo’s Mall at Barnes Crossing.  Shoppers can stop by the tree, pick out a paper “angel” which is a wish list from a boy or a girl.

Participants are asked to purchase the gifts on the list, and return them, unwrapped, to the Angel Tree at the mall’s food court so families in the area can be sure their children have Christmas presents under the tree.

“The thought of a child waking up Christmas morning and not having something for Christmas and thinking, what did I do bad, because Santa doesn’t bring stuff to bad boys and girls, it’s not the children’s fault, it’s not the parent’s fault, it’s just a hard time right now,” said Susan Gilbert, with the Tupelo Salvation Army.

The Angel Tree will be up at the Mall at Barnes Crossing through December the ninth.  Volunteers will then sort the gifts, and have them ready for pickup before Christmas.