Community Donors Help Salvation Army Distribute Gifts to Children in Need
Giving gifts is one of, if not the most defining thing of the Christmas season. But many times, those who go without much get left behind. What the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program has shown through their generous giving is that love is the greatest way to inspire change. Giving to everyone, including those in need, spreads a lot of that love around.
The Salvation Army partnered with various donors to provide gifts to those in need in East Texas as part of their Angel Tree program on Dec. 21, 2022, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin, Texas.
“It helps provide clothing, toys, food, and even gift certificates to countless families,” said Jennifer Phillips, Captain of Salvation Army Lufkin.
There were thousands of gifts to give out and they helped over 850 kids this year. The Angel Tree Program also provides day shelters, which equip the homeless with hygiene kits, showers, hot meals, and also vouchers, which they give through grocery stores to aid those in need.
Rachel Collins, Branch Manager for the East Texas Food Bank at the Deep East Texas Resource Center, said “It is great because it serves as a one-stop shop so that people won’t have to go to different places for different items and gifts.”
The East Texas Food Bank participated in providing fresh produce and canned foods. Collins also says that this is a community that rallies around the needy.
“We want them to know that they are loved, that we are going to meet them right where they are in life, and that we’ll be happy to do so,” said Collins. “I encourage anyone who is in need to reach out because the resources are here and we’d like to help them overcome their troubles.”
Pastor Jerome Brimmage of First United Methodist Church is another volunteer, who gave out candy canes to help lighten the mood and get in the Christmas spirit. He thinks that volunteering with the Salvation Army is a very powerful way to send a loving message to society as a whole and bases this opportunity on what he believes Jesus taught in the Scriptures.
“Jesus was all about loving God and loving your neighbor. People need to realize that this gift of presents and food is not just a gift, it’s a blessing,” said Pastor Brimmage.
To sweeten all the blessings, there were even donors from local Christian radio station KSWP 90.9. Sarina Dowlearn, Promotions and Community Outreach Coordinator for KSWP says that “it is the most conspicuous way to spread hope.” She and others with the radio station were passing out stadium cups and offering prayer to those picking up Angel Tree gifts.
“If one wants to really show who Jesus is, simply just spread love, and this is one of the ways to show it,” said Dowlearn.
To find out more about the Salvation Army or to partner with them to help those in need in our community, please visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/lufkin/
