Tyler Salvation Army volunteers place toys inside the cars of families during the annual Angel Tree holiday distribution in December 2022. (Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

From Staff Reports

With only a few days left before all Angel Tree gifts are returned, The Salvation Army has over 400 angels yet to be adopted at the Broadway Square Mall. There are more than 200 boys, girls, and seniors online as well. Each user can adopt up to four Angels per login session.

“We still have Angel tags hanging on the Angel Trees and are praying all will be taken by the last day for adoption and the return of those Angels adopted on or by December 7th,” said Captain Michelle Walker of The Salvation Army of Tyler. “We often see a late rush in adoptions and have staff and volunteers ready at the Angel Tree locations to help those who would like to take an Angel and provide Christmas for a child in need.”

As part of the Angel Tree program, each angel represents a child from Smith County. With Angels still available for adoption, the Salvation Army’s staff and volunteers have lots of work ahead.

On Dec. 11 and Dec. 13, local families will collect Christmas gifts for over 2,000 children during the Angel Tree distribution day.

“Our community of donors, partners, and volunteers is what keeps The Salvation Army Angel Tree program alive year after year,” said Captain Walker. “Your kindness and generosity mean that every child registered on the Angel Tree program has a gift to open on Christmas morning, and parents don’t have to decide between paying bills or buying toys. Please help today by adopting an Angel.”

If you would like to support the Angel Tree, but do not have time to shop, you can purchase gifts through the Walmart Angel Tree online registry. All items purchased will be delivered directly to The Salvation Army and be prepared for a child this Christmas.

“No child registered to our program will go without gifts. We always make arrangements at The Salvation Army to provide presents for the forgotten Angels which are those tags unfortunately left hanging on the trees,” said Captain Walker. “The Walmart gift registry is a great way for people to help us fill all Angel requests without having to physically go to the store, select an Angel, and shop for toys. You can also donate to our Angel Tree Virtual Kettle. We are so thankful to Walmart for the many ways they support The Salvation Army at Christmas.”

Volunteers are needed to support the Angel Tree program. Call Susan Boehme at 903-592-4361 or email Susan.Boehme@uss.salvationarmy.org for details of how you can get involved.

For more information about adopting an Angel, or details of The Salvation Army’s Christmas programs, please visit southernusa.salvationarmy.org/tyler or call 903-592-4361.

To select an Angel from Walmart: tinyurl.com/walmart-angeltree.

To adopt an Angel from the Salvation Army: tinyurl.com/tsamm-angeltree.

To donate directly to the Angel Tree program: tinyurl.com/virtualkettle.