Time running out for Salvation Army's Angel Tree donations
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Hundreds of Wake County children may miss out on Christmas this year.
A record 9,000 people signed up for The Salvation Army of Wake County's Angel Tree program which provided toys and clothing to the area's neediest families. At last check, 1,600 angels have yet to be adopted.
"This is probably the closest we've come where distribution is next Wednesday, and we have families showing up and we still have angels that are unadopted," said Director of Public Relations Lizzie Adams.
Shyana Frost and her co-workers volunteer at the organization's warehouse every year, but this year she noticed fewer toys and more empty boxes.
"It's the youngest and the babies and then the older kids that need balls and toys," said Frost.
The program's greatest need is for clothing and toys for children ages 10-12 and newborns through age 2.
"Donating even just a new pair of jeans or a new shirt allows us to fill the clothing need for those unadopted angels, said Paige Bagwell, Director of Operations and Communications. "People can also donate money which will allow us to go purchase items for the unadopted angels."
Jimmy Jasper dropped off a truck full of items Friday, which was a welcome sight to volunteers. When he learned about the need, he asked to help more angels.
"It's always good to pay it forward. You never know who may need that service," said Jasper.
"It's hard to think about if we don't meet the goal, because that means a lot of families are going to come next week and they may not have items to put under the tree for their children," said Adams.
You can adopt angels online at www.wakearmy.org, as well as make a monetary donation that will be used to help a child in need this Christmas.
