The holiday season is gearing up and The Salvation Army Meridian on Wednesday kicked off its annual Angel Tree Program at Citizens National Bank.
The Angel Tree program, which was first held in 1979, helps provide gifts for children and seniors who otherwise may not have something to open on Christmas Day. Lt. Roy Fisher, commanding officer of The Salvation Army Meridian, said a total of 602 angels had registered to receive gifts this year across Lauderdale, Newton, and Neshoba counties.
“Some of these parents have lost their job, some are unable to work due to illness, and many applicants are single parents who are really struggling to make ends meet,” Fisher said. “These children are no different from our own children. They look forward to Christmas morning to find out what will be under their tree, and we believe every child should be given the same chance to enjoy this happiest time of year.”
Angel Trees will be set up in each Citizens National Bank location for residents to come select an angel tag. The anonymous tag provides information such as the child or senior’s clothing size, gender, age and any wished for items. Once a tag is selected, individuals can purchase gifts and return them, unwrapped, to Citizens National Bank or another angel tree location.
“Our employees really look forward to the Angel Tree program each year,” Citizens National Bank’s Meridian Regional President Neil Henry said. “Many of them join together with their family and co-workers to adopt angels themselves, and we are also amazed by the generosity of our customers and friends throughout the community who step forward to show their support each year. Near the middle of December, our bank lobbies start resembling Santa’s workshop as people bring in bikes, Barbie Dolls, and all kinds of toys to help make Christmas bright for these children.”
In addition to the Citizens National Bank branches, angel trees will also be going up at Uptown Meridian and in Walmart super centers in Meridian, Newton and Philadelphia. Fisher said he was also planning to reach out to the neighborhood Walmart and Sam’s Club to see if they are willing to host trees as well.
Adopting angels can also be a fun holiday project for civic groups, clubs, organizations and businesses, Fisher said. Group angel adoptions can easily be arranged by calling The Salvation Army Meridian at 601-483-6156.
As inflation stretches residents’ already tight budgets, Fisher said The Salvation Army Meridian has seen an increase in the number of people needing its services. The Angel Tree program is no exception, he said.
In the coming weeks, The Salvation Army Meridian will also be launching its other holiday programs, including the iconic Red Kettle Campaign and the Empty Stocking Campaign. Whether through adopting an angel, donating money or volunteering their time, Fisher said all are invited to get involved and give back to their community this holiday season.
The deadline for gifts to be returned is set for Friday, Dec. 8. Fisher said distribution would begin shortly after to make sure all the angels receive their gifts in time for Christmas.