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Staff Report

Christmas is the giving season, as so many before us have stated. There may be no organization that knows that more than the Salvation Army.

Each year, the Salvation Army helps families in need of gifts for their children.

“Children don’t have to know their families are struggling,” said Lt. Sarah Quinn of the Salvation Army in Middlesboro. Quinn said children should be allowed to enjoy the Christmas holiday.

“I encourage the community to help support the angel tree program,” said Quinn.

The Salvation Army has a total of 1,300 kids involved in the program this year.

They are helping 182 families in Bell, Hancock and Claiborne counties. That number includes families that will receive food baskets and gifts from the angel tree.

In Middlesboro, angel trees are located at Walmart and the Middlesboro Mall. Presents will need to be bought and turned in by Dec. 10.

Those who sponsor a child can turn in their gifts at the Walmart customer service desk. Gifts can also be turned in at the Salvation Army volunteer desk near the tree at the mall during mall hours.

The Salvation Army works with several local agencies during the angel tree program including school systems and the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency. These agencies work closely with family members of children on the angel tree.

Families apply in person at the Salvation Army office for the angel tree.

Eligibility is based on income and family situations. Once children have been identified, families fill out applications with their children’s clothing sizes. Families also fill out a wish list that includes toys their children may like for Christmas.