100 Children Still with NO Toys! Salvation Army Needs Help

BRADENTON – Christmas is just around the corner and children are a top priority for staff and volunteers at The Salvation Army in Manatee County, especially those that might be forgotten. After registering 2,500 children for the annual Angel Tree program, volunteers are now processing donations in preparation for the annual Toy Shop distribution day on Monday, December 20th.

”It’s actually a pretty long process“, says A/Capt. Kathy Parker, Bradenton Corps Officer. ”Each item must be inspected for safety, logged in and prepared for distribution within a three week time frame."  

Despite the eager community response, ONE HUNDRED names were still not chosen from our community Angel Trees as of today, Wednesday, December 15, 2010. This means that specific gift donations have not been made for the children that fall into this Forgotten Angels category. Not willing to allow even one child to go without on Christmas morning, The Salvation Army has been asking some community groups and donors to provide items that could be used for a wide range of children.

”Our Forgotten Angels program helps us build a supply of gifts that can be used for any child“, says Capt. Parker. ”We never know from one year to the next how many angels will be left on our trees so we try to prepare ahead so we can provide gifts for all of them. This year we really need the communities support to ensure all 2,500 receive gifts“.

This year the biggest need is for children of all ages. Parker notes that we have an URGENT need to fill these last 100 Angels before Monday! We need the gifts by Friday, December 17th in order to complete everything, so that it is ready for Monday, Morning December 20, 2010. Please help us finish this up in time to make sure that no child is forgotten this Christmas.

Needed gift items include books, toys or games for a variety of ages, clothing, and learning items. The Salvation Army is asking anyone in the community interested in helping supply gifts for the Forgotten Angels to drop off donations at one of two locations by Wednesday, December 17th. Donations can be dropped off at The Center for Worship and Service, 5328 24th St. East, Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm or anytime at the Administrative and Social Services Complex at 1204 14th St. West.

For more information on the Forgotten Angels call 941-748-5110.