The Salvation Army's holiday Angel Tree program is kicking off next week in Chattanooga.
This Friday, November 2nd, is the last day to apply to be an Angel Tree recipient. Registration numbers are down compared to previous years, so the Salvation Army wants to make sure they get the word out to any families who may be in need this holiday season.
Major Chiffonia Smith, Area Commander of the Salvation Army said, "our numbers right now are a little less than what we normally do, and we think that may be because it's so warm outside. People are not thinking it is Christmas."
In addition to the weather, the lower numbers may also be due to more available jobs, so people are able to take care of themselves this year. Either way, the Salvation Army does not want to miss anyone who may be in need.
"With the Angel Tree program, we are looking for families that just need a little extra help at Christmas, and it's really based on income," Smith explained.
They normally have around 1,400 families for the Angel Tree program. They are at 1,000 right now, and applications end this Friday. People must register in person at the Salvation Army warehouse in Chattanooga at 5001 Covington Street from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
People must bring the following applicable items to register.
- Photo ID for all adults
- Birth certificate for each child
- Proof of income for every member of the household
- Food stamps award letter
- Families First award letter
- Proof of address
- Proof of all monthly expenses
As we head into the holiday season, the Salvation Army would love your help in a variety of ways.
"Whether it be material donations, whether it be monetary, whether it be hours, all of that rolls into one for us, and every part of that is important to us,” Smith said.
They especially will need volunteers to man the Angel Trees at the area malls and to be bell ringers this season. The trees will be set up in Hamilton Place Mall and Northgate Mall starting next week on Friday, November 9th, so it's time to get into the holiday giving spirit.
The process to participate in Angel Tree giving is simple.
"Choose a child's name, and just purchase whatever they would like to for that child. That's one of the great ways they can help us with that, and they can help make a child's life brighter on Christmas morning,” Smith added.
For more information on the Angel Tree program, visit the Salvation Army’s website.
