Lufkin Salvation Army Angel Trees Full of ‘Forgotten Angels’

This Friday, December 9 is the deadline for all gifts to be returned of the Lufkin Salvation Army Tree. Unfortunately, there are still a number of "forgotten angels" yet to be adopted.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Lufkin provides toys and Christmas gifts for more than 800 children each year.

The Salvation Army Angel Trees are located at area malls, Walmart, and other businesses such as South Side Bank and Belk. The trees are decorated with paper angels, each representing a child or senior who – without this program – may not receive a gift at Christmas.

Friday, December 9^th  is the last day to adopt an “angel” as part of the annual program. The deadline to return the gifts is also Friday, December 9^th.

“Our community of donors, partners, and volunteers is what keeps The Salvation Army Angel Tree program alive year after year,” said Captain Cavon Philips of The Salvation Army. “Your kindness ensures every child has a gift to open on Christmas morning, and that parents don’t have to decide between paying bills or buying toys.  Unfortunately, each year there are angel tags left on our trees, gifts that aren’t returned, or gifts brought to us after the deadline. These are our ‘forgotten angels.’”

The Salvation Army plans each year to cover the forgotten angels and does everything possible to be sure that no child is left out. But there is still time for individuals or groups to come forward and adopt the Forgotten Angels this year.

“Each angel tag on the tree represents a child or a senior in need. We do include nameless angels on our trees that just specify gender and age,” said Captain Philips. “These gifts are used to fill the wishes of the forgotten angels.”

Volunteers often return year after year to work in The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree warehouse. One of the favorite tasks is to select from the unassigned gifts to fulfill the wishes of unadopted angels, making sure every child still receives something special on Christmas morning.

“We are so thankful for the numerous companies and individuals who make volunteering a tradition at Christmastime,” said Captain Philips. “Donors, businesses, and volunteers help create a lifetime of memories for children in need through The Salvation Army Angel Tree.”

For more information about adopting an Angel, or current volunteer opportunities please call The Salvation Army at 936-634-5132  or visit them online at  www.salvationarmytexas.org/Lufkin/.