The Salvation Army is Now Seeking Companies and Organizations for Annual Angel Tree Adoptions

Uncertain Economy Increases The Salvation Army's Need
for More Organizations to Adopt Angels

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, October 14, 2008 - Organizations looking to give back to the community this holiday season have until October 26 to adopt multiple Angels as part of The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. This year more than 7,000 Angels need adopting through The Salvation Army.

The tough economy has led to a concern that less people will adopt Angels from the trees in the malls.

"This is a program that relies on the generosity of the community to be successful," said Major Mark Woodcock, area commander for The Salvation Army. "We have a very real worry that fewer people will adopt Angels from the malls this year because of the economy and so we are asking corporations, civic groups and churches to open their hearts and help us make Christmas special for thousands of children and seniors in our community who need extra help for a merry Christmas this year."

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides underprivileged children and seniors with holiday gifts and hope for their future. 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 to make his or her day.

There is no set amount to spend on an Angel but, each Angel typically receives three-to-four gifts. The Salvation Army will pick up 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 20.

For individual Angel adoptions, the Angel Trees will be in Carrefour at Kirby Woods, Oak Court Mall and Wolfchase Galleria from November 22 through Saturday, December 13.

2008 Angel Tree sponsors include AutoZone, FedEx Express, International Paper, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, Cellular South, and The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, and Eyewitness News.

Any organization that wants to adopt Angels needs to contact Lynn Shettles, at (901) 260-9118. The deadline is October 26.

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 2007, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 17,855 people, provided more than 65,000 nights of lodging, and served 208,251 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130