Angel Tree family applications are only available online through the End of October
Austin, TX (Oct. 13, 2020) – For the first time, The Salvation Army is only accepting Angel Tree applications online at SalvationArmyAustin.org through October 31. Documents must be uploaded to a phone or computer and the application completed by the deadline for families to participate. The Salvation Army expects to have 10,000 children served by its Angel Tree program this year for families in need.
“The Angel Tree program is such a crucial part of what we do in the community. There are so many families who are struggling this year, and that’s why and our goal is to provide a child more than just a gift, but also hope,” said Major Lewis Reckline, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Austin. “We want children to have a wonderful Christmas, and our Angel Tree program helps to make that happen.”
Since 1979, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program has helped to fulfill the Christmas wishes and needs of children up to 12 years old throughout Central Texas. Parents or guardians provide The Salvation Army with a list for each child that includes special toys or games, along with items like clothing and shoes. Donors then can “adopt” each of these Angels and fill an Angel Tree bag with gifts chosen for that specific child. Gifts are then distributed to parents in time for Christmas.
Traditionally, The Salvation Army has relied on schools and family support staff at local elementary and middle schools to help disseminate applicant information to families in need. With disruptions to in-person learning this fall, the traditional methods of program communication have been limited. The Salvation Army is asking people to share Angel Tree information with neighbors who are struggling.
“As we draw closer to year’s end, we want to rescue Christmas for families who have been dealing with incredible hardships,” said Major Reckline. “To accomplish this, we need people in our community to give whatever they can to support Angel Tree.”
The Salvation Army relies on monetary donations to assist in filling requests for Forgotten Angels, which are those not fulfilled before December 14. All donations made online stay local to help families in Travis & Williamson counties. To make a monetary donation online for the Angel Tree program, visit SalvationArmyAustin.org. For more information about the Angel Tree program, please visit us online at SalvationArmyAustin.org
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been supporting those in need for more than 131 years in the Austin area. The Salvation Army is Central Texas’ largest provider of emergency shelter. We manage The Austin Shelter for Women and Children, The Rathgeber Center for Families, The Downtown Shelter and Social Services Center, and The Williamson County Service Center. In 2019, we served more than 2,900 men, women, and children, provided over 118,000 bed nights, and had over 80 percent of clients successfully exit our programs. Locally, thousands of people receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through services that include providing relief for disaster victims, rehabilitation for the addicted, clothing and shelter to those experiencing homelessness, and case management to help people move from crisis to stability. For more information, go to SalvationArmyAustin.org.
Contact:
Jason Whaley
Communications Manager
The Salvation Army Austin
Cell: 512-573-1435
[email protected]