Angel Tree Spirit of Giving

Seventy-five more families are asking for help from The Salvation Army this holiday season primarily due to economic conditions including loss of job and illness.

This year the Cameron County Salvation Army has requests from more than three hundred and fifty families needing essentials like clothing, toys and food for their children.

The average family consists of 8 members and all families were interviewed to determine their eligibility.

In the spirit of Christmas giving, area businesses and the Valley Morning Star are teaming up again with The Salvation Army in the 23rd Annual Valley Morning Star Tree of Giving (Angel Tree) Holiday Drive.

What started as a way for the community to get involved in the Christmas spirit of giving in Lynchburg, Va., in 1979 the Angel Tree has become a nationwide effort to help the less fortunate have a merry Christmas.

Many shoppers have already added an angel to their shopping list. Shoppers are adopting an angel from the Tree of Giving and purchasing a gift to make a child's holiday a bit merrier.

Each angel tag has a wish list of a child, aged newborn to 13. Specific toys, clothing and shoe sizes, and special requests are listed. Donors choose an angel, purchase items from the list and return the gifts to the participating business or the Salvation Army office located at 201 E. Monroe in Harlingen.

The last day to purchase a gift is December 17. The Salvation Army will distribute the gifts before Christmas day.

Last year many angels were not adopted but children still received at least one gift. Money generated from people ringing the bell for the Red Kettle campaign provided funds to purchase gifts for angels left on the trees.

The Salvation Army Captain Rojelio Galabeas hopes that no angels remain on the trees this year. “The (Angel Tree) program is open to children of needy families within Cameron County that would not have a Christmas this year,” Galabeas said. “Selecting an angel will go a long way in making a difference in a child's life this Christmas Season.”

"The Valley Morning Star Tree of Giving" has been a part of the holiday tradition for 23 years," Star Marketing Director Marcia Kitten said. "The Salvation Army plays an important role in many families' lives. Being part of such a fine organization and helping children and families in their time of need is a vital part of the Star community stewardship program," Kitten said. "We're thankful for our participating businesses and the community for their ongoing support to the Tree of Giving."

Harlingen and San Benito businesses participating in the Tree of Giving include Charles Clark Nissan, Dillard's of Harlingen, Walmart, First Community Bank, Bealls, Bullrider, JC Penney and Le French Laundry. JC Penny accepts online donation at their website, www.jcpenny.com.

For more information about the Tree of Giving call Marcia Kitten at 430.6200  or to volunteer contact The Salvation Army at 423.2454.