Christmas is a magical time of the year – a time for families to get together, a time for children to receive gifts, and a time to remember the reason for the season. However, not every child will receive a gift this year. The reasons can vary; however, with COVID-19, many local families have been affected economically. Families are having to choose what is necessity and what is luxury. That is where The Salvation Army steps in to assist with their Angel Tree program.
Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and running through Friday, Oct. 9, The Salvation Army of Bryan College Station will have the application process for their yearly Angel Tree Christmas Assistance Program open and available. The process is a little different this year as everything is online. The website to apply is www.SAangeltree.org. Anyone that does not have access to the internet can apply at the kiosk in the main office located at 2506 Cavitt Ave. The online application is available in both English and Spanish.
The Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program, or Angel Tree Program, was originally organized to make the holiday season brighter for less fortunate families in the area by providing them with gifts and toys for their children. The purpose of the program is to give gifts in the name of Christ and assist in strengthening family ties. This program is possible through the generosity of other local families who want to share the spirit of the season. Along with the familiar red kettles, the Angel Tree Program is one of The Salvation Army’s highest-profile Christmas efforts. Last year in 2019, The Salvation Army of Bryan College Station assisted 2,168 children from 871 families in the Brazos County area.
The program is open to families with children ages 0-12 years old. Following the enrollment stage of the program, the adoption of angels at various locations around town and receiving of donated gifts will begin in mid-November and will continue until Dec. 12. The Angel Tree Program will culminate with the distribution of all gifts to enrolled and approved families within the Angel Tree Program on Dec. 16.
The Salvation Army is currently accepting volunteers for its Angel Tree program. To find out more about the requirements for the Angel Tree Program or how to volunteer, interested parties may call the main office at (979) 361-0618.
