For the past few years, Walmart has set up an Angel Tree during the Christmas season to help families who may otherwise go without holiday gifts. The angel tree is a great way to spread the joy of Christmas around to people who can not afford gifts for children. This program brings together families and friends, creating a welcoming and safe environment for those who need extra help.
Parents or guardians signed their child up for the program. Each child’s age, clothing sizes, and Christmas wishes were written on an ornament and added to the tree, waiting for someone to choose an ornament with a child’s wishlist on it. They could also pick a child from the online angel tree.
Every Christmas, dozens of angels hang on the tree. People in the community stepped up and, rather quickly, chose ornaments, ensuring every child in the program received gifts. Children of all ages are allowed to be on the angel tree by the Salvation Army.
Participation reflects strongly on the kindness of our community. Ornaments were chosen soon after the tree was set up in mid-November. The ornaments were gone by the start of December. The rapid clearing of the tree showed a high level of support to help those in need have a joyful Christmas morning. All purchased gifts were gathered and sent to parents in time for the holidays by the Salvation Army.
The Angel Tree’s success shows the strength of community tradition in Augusta. Each year’s strong participation encourages the program to be continued for years to come. The town continues to grow and change, and the tree shows the importance of coming together as a community to show kindness to families during the holiday season.
