Adopt an Angel and Teach the Value of Giving Back

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, November 1, 2006 – This year is the 20th anniversary of the Angel Tree Program in Memphis. The Angel Tree program runs from November 18 through December 9 and provides underprivileged children and elderly not only with holiday gifts but also the proof that someone cares.

The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program relies on the selfless giving and support of the community to help bring joy and happiness during the holiday season for those less fortunate. No child chooses to live in poverty and no senior ever expects to rely on the goodwill of others. The Angel Tree program provides these people with much needed clothing items, special needs gifts and other wished-for items such as toys.

After going through a screening process to verify need, Angels (children aged 12 and under and seniors aged 62 and older) are qualified for the program. Angels are assigned a tag listing their name, age, sex, clothing size and the item(s) they would like or need. These tags are added to the Angel Trees at Carrefour at Kirby Woods, Oak Court Mall and Wolfchase Galleria. In addition to the trees at the malls, many corporations have Angel Trees at their offices. Call The Salvation Army for information on the corporate program.

Individuals can visit the Angel Trees to select an Angel and fulfill their wish list. People are motivated to donate gifts to the Angel Tree program for many reasons. Some people may be moved to participate due to a national tragedy like Hurricane Katrina; others may have personal experience with The Salvation Army and its programs, while more see the Angel Tree program as a way to give back to the community.

Many families use the Angel Tree program as a way to involve their children in the selfless act of giving. Children can learn the value of sharing with others less fortunate and the true meaning behind the holiday season. As the holidays become more commercialized, the importance of these small acts of kindness and giving are even more important to instill into our future leaders.

"We have families who support the Angel Tree program every year," said Lynn Shettles, Special Events coordinator for The Salvation Army. "These families help their children choose an Angel who is close to their own age so they feel connected to the Angel. They then have a great time shopping for the Angels gifts because the children can relate to the Angel and the toys they would like to play with."

Almost 8,000 Angels, 5,000 of them children, will receive gifts this year. There is no set amount to spend on an Angel but on average each Angel receives three-to-four gifts. Purchased gifts need to be delivered, unwrapped to the tree where the Angel was selected.

For more information on the Angel Tree program, please contact Lynn Shettles (901) 260-9119.

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

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130