The Marion County Board of County Commissioners recently brought back the Salvation Army Angel Tree program on the McPherson Government Campus, and Marion County employees adopted an “Angel” to provide Christmas gifts to local children.
In 1979, the Salvation Army created the Angel Tree program with help from Majors Charles White and Shirley White. At the time, they worked with a shopping mall located in Lynchburg, Virginia to provide clothing and toys for children at Christmas.
The program got its name because Charles and Shirley identified the wishes of local children by writing their gift needs on greeting cards featuring pictures of angels and placing them on a Christmas Tree at the mall. During the program’s inaugural year, more than 700 children had a brighter Christmas.
According to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, this is the second year that the Angel Tree program has been adopted by Marion County.
Through the program, Marion County employees were able to help approximately 100 local families. These children and families will receive toys, school and casual clothing, toiletries, books, and other necessary items.
For more information on the Angel Tree program, visit the Salvation Army of Ocala’s website or call 352-629-2004.