KNOXVILLE, TENN - December 16, 2011 - The Salvation Army, along with hundreds of volunteers and donors, have been preparing for Christmas since September. Their work will culminate this Saturday in the Angel Tree distribution. Over 2,000 families registered for Christmas assistance command-wide this year meaning over 3,300 children and 230 seniors will receive Christmas gifts through The Salvation Army program. Moreover, they will also deliver Christmas presents to about 2,000 nursing home residents before Christmas Day.
"Angel Tree distribution day is the largest single event The Salvation Army has all year," said Area Commander Major Don Vick. "Most think the Angel Tree campaign runs from September through December when in actuality it is a year-round team effort."
Hundreds of individuals, families, church groups and businesses began adopting Angels in September. Those gifts have been purchased, labeled and sorted and are almost ready for distribution on Saturday. In addition to the gifts, each family who registered will receive a box of food for Christmas.
The distribution will take place Saturday, December 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the former Food Lion grocery store located at 5412 Pleasant Ridge Rd. Hundreds of volunteers are scheduled to help.
Families who will be receiving assistance should have already been notified. Only families who have been interviewed and accepted into the program will receive assistance on Saturday. If families need assistance or more information, please call 525-9401.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
###