Families line up for Angel Tree gift distribution
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Hundreds of needy families lined up early Wednesday morning to get gifts for their children through the Salvation Army of Wake County's Christmas Cheer program.
"It feels great," said shopper Heavenly Singleton. "I got hurt on my job, so I've been out. I need all the help I can get."
A record 9,000 children registered for the Angel Tree program this year which provides toys and clothes.
"They're hugging everyone. We're wiping tears away," said Lizzie Adams, spokesperson for Salvation Army of Wake County.
For parents like Carol Ventura, there will be no tears this Christmas. She now has presents for all three of her sons.
"Last year, I cried a little bit because they didn't have toys. So this year is going to be good," said Ventura.
Nearly 4,000 families will pack into the Salvation Army warehouse on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh for the organization's distribution which runs through Friday.
All of them will get a chance to win a new bicycle provided by Triangle Spokes Group. The nonprofit plans to give away 500 bikes.
"Today is what it's all about," said Triangle Spokes Group co-founder Ashley Wilson. "When a family walks in and they don't know they're getting that bicycle and they spin that wheel and they land on the bike, to see their faces. That's why we do what we do."
Last week, 1,400 angels were left unadopted until a pair of anonymous donors stepped in to help.
"They handed us a $10,000 check to cover the rest of the angels," said Adams. "You would not have guessed that they would have the means to even be able to do this. So it was a sacrifice for them which makes it even more meaningful."
If you would like to donate:
http://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/wakecounty
