The Salvation Army is Seeking Organizations to Participate in Angel Tree Program

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, October 8, 2009 – The Salvation Army is asking organizations to make Christmas special this year for more than 7,000 underprivileged children and seniors and adopt multiple Angels as part of The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. Organizations looking to adopt multiple Angels have until October 22 to submit their adoption form to The Salvation Army.

Last year The Salvation Army had a 33 percent drop in the number of organizations that adopted Angels. This year, The Salvation Army hopes more organizations will adopt Angels. The Salvation Army will pick up the Angel Tree gifts from any organization that adopts 15 or more Angels. Organizations that adopt less than 15 Angels can bring their gifts to the Angel Tree warehouse. The gifts will be distributed to the Angels on December 19.

"We know that the holidays this year will be tough for most families," said Major Mark Woodcock, area commander for The Salvation Army. "But we hope that the community will once again accept our program into their hearts and help make life a little brighter for someone less fortunate."

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides underprivileged children and seniors with holiday gifts. The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program is a great way for employees and individuals to come together as a company, group, congregation and team to have fun while giving back to the community. Not only will it be a blessing to the child or senior receiving the gifts, but it is personally rewarding and fun shopping for those gifts and picking out the perfect gifts.

There is no set amount to spend on an Angel but each Angel typically receives three-to-four gifts.

For individual Angel adoptions, the Angel Trees will be in Carrefour at Kirby Woods, Oak Court Mall and Wolfchase Galleria from November 20 through Saturday, December 12.

2009 Angel Tree sponsors include AutoZone, FedEx Express, International Paper, Valero Refinery, Technicolor, Cellular South, and The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, and WREG News Channel 3, News Radio 600WREC and Rock 103.

Any organization that wants to adopt Angels can contact Lynn Shettles, at (901) 260-9118 or download the corporate adoption form at http://www.salvationarmymemphis.org/programs_angel_tree.asp and fax it to (901) 543-8599.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army's work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our actions and words.

The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. The Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

In 2008, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 20,700 people, provided more than 67,000 nights of lodging, and served 209,462 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 786-8221

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 543-8586