In a heart-warming turn of events, the Salvation Army Austin Area Command announced that every child in its annual Angel Tree program has been adopted, sparking a wave of volunteer enthusiasm as the organization prepares to hand out gifts to more than 7,000 children.
The Angel Tree Program
The Angel Tree program is designed to help children up to 12 years old. Low-income families can apply to the program in September, and “adoptions” start in November. The program has now reached its goal, with all children adopted this year.
Volunteer Efforts and Timeline
Gift distribution began on December 13, and volunteers are still needed until December 20. Those who want to help can sign up on the Salvation Army website. Volunteers will also be needed from January 6 to 10 to assist with inventory and pack-up at the Austin Area Command Christmas warehouse on S. Congress Ave.
Maggie Mullen, special events and volunteer supervisor for the Austin Area Command, said, “It happened really quickly,” Maggie Mullen, special events and volunteer supervisor for the Austin Area Command, said. “In just about a month and a half, every single child was accounted for.”
Mullens added, “It’s been exciting to have the community come together, and our warehouse is just full,” Mullens said. “Every kid has a bag, two bags, three bags overflowing with toys, so we’re very grateful.”
The warehouse, located at 6510 S. Congress Ave. in Austin, has become a hub of activity as volunteers bring in gifts and prepare them for distribution.
Community Voices
On Thursday, KXAN spoke to two mothers waiting in line to pick up gifts for their children. “I’m a single mother and a program like this is very helpful because I can guarantee that my son is going to have at least one gift,” mother Patricia Solis said. “The gifts that people give are always really nice.”
Mothers like Norma Ramirez couldn’t help but get emotional as she spoke on the impact of the program. “It’s such a nice program for kids,” Ramirez said. “I’m new to Austin and I’m so grateful knowing my son will have a good Christmas.”
How to Help
- Sign up as a volunteer on the Salvation Army website.
- Assist with gift distribution from December 13 to December 20.
- Join inventory and pack-up efforts from January 6 to January 10.
- Donate toys or other items to support the program.
Gift distribution will continue until Saturday, December 20, at the Salvation Army Christmas warehouse.
Key Takeaways
- All 7,000 children in the Angel Tree program have been adopted.
- Volunteers are needed through December 20 and again in early January.
- The program supports children up to 12 years old and is open to low-income families.
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program demonstrates the power of community generosity, ensuring that every child in Austin can experience the joy of receiving a gift this holiday season.
