As Christmas approaches, the Salvation Army is busy gathering toys and clothes for needy kids through its Angel Tree program. The Journal's Michaela Gibson Morris caught up with Susan Gilbert, director of social services for the Salvation Army in Tupelo, to find out how things are going this year.
Q: How are things going this Christmas in this economy?
A: This year families who have adopted Angels have done a tremendous job in getting them back to us early. This has made our job so much easier.
We have had factories that are now closed or had layoffs that normally assisted us with Angel Tree each year. That has added more for the community to adopt this year and made it harder to get to get all the angels adopted.
Q:What needs do you still have?
A:At this time, we still have approximately 300 out of over 1,700 angels left to be adopted. We need toys forolder kids, ages 10, 11 and 12. They are harder to get adopted out because they are harder to buy for. We could use financial donations to purchase toys or clothes for the children if people find that they just don't have time to shop.
Q: How can people respond to those needs?
A: People who are interested in helping with Angels can call me at 871-8229.
Newsletters
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
