The Salvation Army Thanks the Community for Extraordinary Response to Angel Tree
All Angels Now Adopted

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, December 8, 2008 - More than 7,000 ‘Angels’, children and seniors, will have a merrier Christmas, thanks to the Memphis community’s phenomenal response to The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Despite a tough economy, people have found a way to continue giving. The community’s tremendous generosity has helped ensure that thousands of less fortunate people will experience their own “Christmas miracle” this season.

“I am overwhelmed by the community’s response to the Angel Tree,” said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander of The Salvation Army. “At the beginning, corporate adoptions were significantly lower than last year causing a real concern that some of our angels would not get adopted. But, Memphians proved what a caring community we live in, and took this program to their hearts.”

While all the angels have now been adopted, it is very important to return the gifts for the angels in time for distribution. If you have adopted an angel, make sure to turn in the unwrapped presents by December 13 to the location where you adopted: Wolfchase Galleria, Oak Court Mall or Carrefour at Kirby Woods.

“Every year we unfortunately have angels who are adopted but not returned,” said Major Woodcock. “To ensure those angels are not left out, we crafted the ‘Forgotten Angel’ program.”

 Forgotten Angels will be placed on the trees during the upcoming week. These are tags listing clothing sizes, popular wish-list items and favorite toys that can be given to angels who do not get returned. Any Forgotten Angel donations left over will be sent to The Salvation Army’s “Toy Shop.”  

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