Video: Families Collect Christmas Gifts As Part Of ‘Angel Tree’

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Christmas will be bright for hundreds of families across the area, thanks to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

After last minute instructions were given, anda quick word of prayer offered, it was time to get to work.

“This is the day what we’ve been working for all Christmas season comes to a head.  The families have come to pick up the toys for their children,” said Susan Gilbert of the Salvation Army.

Work began months ago, when families signed up for the Angel Tree program.  After they were approved, the Christmas wish list for each child, or Angel, was placed on the Angel Tree, and collected by an indivdual or family, who purchased the requested gifts.

And with the precision of  military operation, those gifts were picked up by grateful parents.

“It means a lot to me, this is the Santa Clause I always tell my kids about,” said Angie Ford.
Without this how would y’all’s Christmas be?
“It wouldn’t be as good, probably one toy if they can get one toy, God has blessed us with this to help,” she said.

It is also a blessing for hundreds of volunteers who arrive early to distribute the Christmas gifts.

“Every year we try to do three or four things for the Salvation Army and this is one of the things we think will benefit the community and anything you can do is a plus nowadays,” said Charles Gardner.

“It’s important to come out here cause my Dad taught me it’s better to give than to receive,” said Charles Gardner, Jr.

“It’s really uplifting and you get to help other people have a good Christmas too and it shows you the true meaning of Christmas,” said Erika Vinson, of Macedonia Baptist Church.

After all these presents have been picked up, there’s still work to be done.  There’s always last minute requests for families facing unexpected emergencies.  Those requests are met, then work begins on next year’s Angel Tree program.