The Angel Tree Program

The Angel Tree program provides underprivileged children and seniors with holiday gifts and proof that someone cares.

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

During a screening process to verify need, Angels (children ages 12 and under and seniors ages 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. During the holiday season, 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.

Mike Fleming from News Radio 600 WREC and Cellular South partner with us to provide Mike's Bikes. This past year, Mike provided new bikes to more than 1,000 Angels through the Angel Tree program. During weekly live broadcasts from different Cellular South locations, Mike helped raise more than $10,000 which was used to purchase bikes and bike accessories such as helmets and knee and elbow pads.

Angel Tree is a huge undertaking that requires intense coordination. Volunteers help man the trees at the malls, help at the warehouse and distribute gifts. Of course, we need generous Memphians to adopt our Angels.

Numbers of Angels served in 2007:

• 4,400 Children served
• 703 Seniors served
• 2,000 Mothers served
• 7,103 Total
• 1,332 Bikes distributed

We are particularly grateful to the following for their support during the 2007 Angel Tree program: AutoZone, FedEx, International Paper, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Clear Channel Radio, Eyewitness News Channel 24/30, Cellular South, Wolfchase Galleria, Oak Court Mall and Carrefour at Kirby Woods.

For more information on the Angel Tree program, please contact Lynn Shettles 901-260-9118.