‘Angel Tree’ provides Christmas gifts for children

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Hundreds of kids in the Tupelo will have a brighter Christmas thanks to the people who picked up an angel.  

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” program continues to bring smiles and serve those that need a helping hand.

Without the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, Kent Rye’s niece may not have Christmas presents for her kids. 

“This time of year, it’s hard to come up with funds to, when you have multiple children and this is just a God send,” Rye said. 

Nearly 300 families, including more than 1,500 children, signed up for Tupelo Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program this year.   

Each bag represents a child, or an “angel.”  

Volunteers from Toyota, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and others in the community have spent weeks making sure every angel has every toy on his or her wish list.

“Sometimes there are children who don’t get picked in a family, you may have two or three kids and one or two get taken, angels get filled and others aren’t taken so we have to fill those ourselves,” said Maj. Jeff Daniel, of the Tupelo Salvation Army. 

It also takes an army of volunteers on pickup day to help everything run like clockwork. 

Among the volunteers was students from Milam Elementary’s Junior Beta Club. They handed out gifts to help learn about serving others. 

“I’m hoping they get the foundation of service, and helping those and serving our community,” said Kashauna Pittman, Junior Beta Club Sponsor at Milam Elementary.

“I’ve liked to be able to see the gifts people get and be able to send them home to be able to give their kids a nice Christmas,” said Milam Student Andrew Keen. 

The Red Kettle Campaign helps provide toys for the Angel Tree Program.  It also helps the Salvation Army provide assistance to those in need throughout the year.