The Salvation Army says Red Kettle donations are down this year, and they still have angels who haven't been adopted.
If Christmas happened now, about 1,000 kids signed up for the Angel Tree program would come up short. That's how great the need is this year.
"Each one of these boxes represents one of the families in our Christmas Cheer program," said the Salvation Army's Lizzy Adams.
Stacked steep in long rows, roughly 4,000 boxes represent a Wake County family in need, but it's what's inside that tell a tougher story. Most contain a Salvation Army Angel Tree tag.
"That's when the child has been adopted and will receive clothing this holiday Christmas," said Adams.
No matter what, all of the 8,700 kids signed up will receive a toy, but there's no guarantee for clothing.
"Yes, definitely, winter clothing right now," said Adams. "We still have about a 1,000 angels that are unadopted as of today."
Adams with Wake's Salvation Army blames the economy for an overwhelming need. There are 200 more angels signed up this year from last.
The shortfall is also being felt during the annual Red Kettle fundraiser, which lost the equivalent of $65,000 this year since Thanksgiving landed a week later than normal.
"Magically, the community has been able to meet that need, but every year, it's a little bit harder and harder," said Adams.
The Salvation Army hopes its presence at shopping malls, online access making giving as easy as a mouse click, and the thought of a broken hearted child is enough to encourage you to brighten a home's holiday season.
"The Salvation Army strives to provide joy on Christmas morning," said Adams.
The Salvation Army has extended its Angel Tree deadline to this Saturday to meet the need. Click here for more details.
http://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/wakecounty/get-involved/christmas-opportunities/angel-tree-opportunitiesSee It On TV | Report A Typo |
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