Angel Tree Kicks Off Season Of Giving

Friday, November 6, 2009

— The Salvation Army kicked off the season of giving Thursday with a towering tree and paper angels at the Northwest Arkansas Mall.

Sharon Robinson, volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army, said the Salvation Army wanted to get an earlier start this year to make it easier for shoppers to have their Angel Tree items in by Dec. 1. Each angel will include information on a child’s clothing size, shoe size and three toy wishes. Gifts should be dropped off - unwrapped - at the tree where the angel was selected.

The Angel Tree has been a part of the Salvation Army’s Christmas mission since the1980s, and officials say the need has never been greater. More than 2,400 children need sponsors this year.

Along with children, there are also what the Salvation Army terms “Forgotten Angels.” Forgotten Angels are senior citizens, usually in nursing homes, who are unlikely to receive visitors or gifts this holiday season. Wishes include slippers, robes, stu◊ed animals or trinkets and large-print books or Bibles. Forgotten Angels are only available at the tree located between Journeys and The Buckle at the mall.

Trees will also be set up at Wal-Mart and First Security Bank locations.

Volunteers are also needed. Volunteers can sign up to help at nwasa.volunteerfirst.org.

None, Pages 7 on 11/06/2009