On Thursday, December 12th, a spirited group of volunteers gathered to manage tables brimming with gift bags during the annual Angel Tree distribution event. Many of these dedicated individuals donned bright red aprons emblazoned with the Salvation Army logo. Lt. Michelle Cook from the Salvation Army of the Shoals reported that this year, an impressive total of 1,035 angels received Christmas gifts, marking the highest number served by the Angel Tree initiative since 2019.
In the weeks following the initial adoptions, approximately 90 angels were returned, prompting a swift response from the organization. Within just two days, all returned gifts were redistributed, and an additional 17 angels were placed on a waiting list, ready to be adopted should more gifts become available. The efficiency of the volunteers was evident as they managed to sort and categorize the donations three days ahead of the planned schedule, a feat made possible by the rapid return of gifts.
The process of organizing the Angel Tree donations is no small task; it truly “takes an army.” Volunteers meticulously checked each gift to ensure that identification numbers matched and that every child had received their designated items. In addition to the toy distribution, on Wednesday, December 11th, the team prepared 740 food boxes. Each family received at least one box, with additional provisions allocated to those residing in larger households. This collaborative effort highlights the community’s commitment to ensuring that every child and family experiences the joy of the holiday season.