Salvation Army Angel Tree invites Cenla to give gifts to children this Christmas

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping, and this year, you may consider adopting a tag off an angel tree.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas tree is up, and the angels are ready for adoption.

“Angel Tree provides toys and clothes for kids that are less fortunate,” said Captain Claudia Meads, Salvation Army Corps Officer. “This year we went through the schools and social workers, and principals chose the families for us.”

You can adopt an angel at the Salvation Army located on Murray Street or a Walmart near you.

“You will shop for your child the most that you can, close to their favorites and sizes,” Meads said. “Then you will put it in a bag, not wrapping, no candy, no food, no money. We want everything to go straight to the kids.”

Many local families depend on the help of the Salvation Army as they face difficult decisions during the holiday season.

“When the community comes and joins us, we can do way more for kids and help the community,” Meads said. “When parents have to choose between the light bill and Christmas, we know that they can have lights and we can provide the Christmas.”

For Captain Claudia Meads, this is her favorite time of the year.

“I have to say that is seeing the kids when we can, because most of the time, Angel Tree, we work for the kids, but we don’t see it,” Meads said. “Here with the shelter, because we have families in the building. My kids decorate this tree that is behind me. And for a two-year-old here in the shelter was his first tree.”

None of this would be possible without the community’s help and support.

“We need all your support,” Meads said. “Homeless is year-round, and we have families coming from the shelter all year-round. You can bell ring, volunteer with us. You can help with finances or just bringing things to the shelter. If not for the community, we cannot make it.”

All Angel Tree presents need to be dropped off by December 4.

If you aren’t available to shop in person, they also have an online wish list as well.

CLICK HERE for that wish list.

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