Look for them in public places like Valley View and Tanglewood Malls … and in private offices. The Angel Trees are here – Christmas trees decorated with tags supplied by the Salvation Army, containing the names of a needy child and the holiday gift they are wishing for. People can take a tag from that tree and supply that present in the spirit of the holiday season.
It’s a Salvation Army tradition started in Lynchburg at the River Ridge Mall 35 years ago, before making its way over to Roanoke – and around the world – as well. The general manager at Valley View Mall – Louise Dudley – was a secretary at River Ridge Mall 35 years ago when the Angel Tree program kicked off there for the first time anywhere.
Suzanne Gandy is the director of development for the Roanoke branch of the Salvation Army. The Angel Tree program, which launched at Valley View Mall with a dance performance last weekend, is designed for children who “[normally] will have nothing as a gift on Christmas morning underneath the tree.” That’s because their parents often have to make a choice between food, heat and other options – not having the extra money for gifts.
In October families were vetted by the Roanoke Salvation Army to determine their eligibility to be included on an Angel Tree. “We help those families by buying gifts for the children – the community makes this happen,” said Gandy. The gifts purchased are returned to the Salvation Army by December 10 [normally to the same location where the tags were pulled off]. The Salvation Army then distributes those gifts December 16-18, so parents have time to put them under the tree.
The tags include the names of the child, their age and sizes if they want clothes. “It’s sad and dear at the same time,” added Gandy. “It’s for people that are giving…[and] it’s become a family tradition.”
– Gene Marrano
