Local News

Salvation Army’s Angel Tree gifts program starts for season

IRON MOUNTAIN -- The Dickinson County Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree program brings the community together to ensure children experience the joy of Christmas and families can create lasting memories together.

"The importance of the program goes far beyond just providing Christmas gifts," Salvation Army Director Tara Coss said. "For us, it's about restoring hope, preserving dignity and strengthening families."

Community members can adopt an individual child or an entire family, helping provide Christmas gifts to those who might otherwise go without.

Donors can either select a tag from the Angel Tree at Walmart or contact the Salvation Army office to arrange an adoption.

Coss emphasized that donors don't have to commit to adopting an entire family or even an individual child to participate. Non-specific gifts are also welcome and help fill the needs of children who have not yet been adopted through the program. Those who wish to help can purchase whatever gifts they choose and drop them off at the designated Walmart donation boxes or at the Salvation Army office at 145 Roseland St. in Kingsford.

"We want to make sure every child wakes up on Christmas morning happy," Coss said.

A new Walmart incentive, running from Saturday through Dec. 14, offers another way to support the Salvation Army effort. As part of a nationwide initiative intended to spread additional joy during the holidays, Walmart will provide the organization with $10 for every Angel Tree donation.

Donors can participate by scanning the QR code near the Walmart collection box and registering their donation by providing the requested information.

Coss said the process is designed to be simple, and anyone who does not have access to a smartphone or needs help completing the registration can contact the office for assistance.

"The extra funding will be a tremendous help to our annual campaign, especially with the loss of Tadych’s as a kettle location," she said. "All money raised during the six weeks ensures we are able to continue with all programming for the entire year."

She explained the Salvation Army works to provide families with a well-rounded Christmas, addressing practical needs in addition to toys and other traditional gifts.

During the application and intake process, the Salvation Army identifies immediate or extreme needs, such as socks, underwear, clothing or shoes.

"The goal is to help families avoid having to use their limited resources on basic necessities so they can enjoy the holiday season," Coss said.

The organization also works to coordinate with other assistance programs to avoid duplicating services and make the best use of available donations.

"We strive to be good stewards and not duplicate," Coss said. "We want to respect other programs and donors, but we also expect our program and donors to be respected as well."

By coordinating resources, the Salvation Army hopes to reach as many families as possible while ensuring their individual needs are met.

"The program also reassures families that even during difficult times, their community cares about them," she said.

Coss added that the agency is fortunate to have very generous donors who make the Angel Tree possible each year.

The agency also welcomes Christmas gift wrap throughout the season. "This gives parents the opportunity to experience the tradition of wrapping gifts for their children," she said, adding gifts intended for parents can be wrapped by the donor.

Coss said families are still welcome to apply for the Angel Tree program by contacting the office.

The Angel Tree program began in 1979 in Lynchburg, Va., when Salvation Army Majors Charles and Shirley White partnered with a local shopping mall to provide Christmas gifts and clothing for children from families experiencing financial hardship.

The Whites placed Christmas cards featuring angels on a tree inside the mall. Each card represented a child and listed their needs and Christmas wishes. Shoppers selected a card and purchased gifts for that child. More than 700 children received assistance during the program's first year.

The program expanded to Nashville in 1982, gaining wide attention before eventually becoming a nationwide Salvation Army tradition.

Coss stressed that the program, which marks its 47th year, has strengthened the local community by bringing businesses, groups and individuals together around a common purpose at Christmas time.

"The Angel Tree is about more than presents," she said. "It's about reminding families that their community cares, that children need to experience the joy of Christmas and that no families should feel forgotten during the holiday season."

Those interested in adopting a child or family can contact the Dickinson County Salvation Army at 906-779-5717 or select an Angel Tree tag.

Monetary donations can be made by mailing checks to The Salvation Army, 145 Roseland St., Kingsford, MI 49802, or P.O. Box 218, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

"We thank all our generous community members that continue to support the program each year," she said.

For more information about Angel Tree or other Salvation Army programs, call the office at 906-779-5717.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.